🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Sensitivity Test for Pyrazinamide determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is resistant or susceptible to pyrazinamide, a key first-line antibiotic used in TB treatment.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → TB bacteria respond to pyrazinamide (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → TB bacteria do not respond to pyrazinamide (alternative treatment needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; may require dose adjustment or alternative drugs.
(Results may vary depending on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if pyrazinamide can be used for TB treatment
✅ Helps detect drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB & XDR-TB)
✅ Prevents ineffective antibiotic use and further resistance
✅ Assists in customizing TB treatment regimens
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients newly diagnosed with TB
🔹 Individuals with suspected drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
🔹 People not responding to standard TB treatment
🔹 To optimize treatment and prevent further antibiotic resistance
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured in a lab and tested against pyrazinamide.
Results may take several weeks due to the slow growth of TB bacteria.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Pyrazinamide can be used as part of TB treatment.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative first-line or second-line antibiotics should be considered.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Medical-themed colors (blue, red, and white)
TB bacteria illustration with an antibiotic resistance chart
Simple table for result interpretation (S, R, I)