🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Susceptibility Test for Capreomycin checks whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is resistant or susceptible to capreomycin, an injectable second-line antibiotic used in drug-resistant TB treatment.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → TB bacteria respond to capreomycin (the drug is effective).
Resistant (R) → TB bacteria do not respond to capreomycin (alternative treatments required).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; may require adjusted dosing or an alternative drug.
(Exact values depend on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if capreomycin can be used for treating drug-resistant TB
✅ Guides treatment plans for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB)
✅ Helps prevent ineffective antibiotic use and further resistance
✅ Assists doctors in modifying TB treatment regimens
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB)
🔹 TB cases not responding to first-line treatments
🔹 Patients at high risk of drug-resistant TB (previous TB treatment, immunocompromised individuals)
🔹 To customize TB therapy based on drug susceptibility
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or fluid sample is collected.
The TB bacteria are cultured and tested for capreomycin resistance.
Results may take several weeks due to slow bacterial growth.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Capreomycin is an effective treatment option.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative second-line antibiotics should be used.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Medical-themed colors (blue, red, and white)
Bacteria illustration with an antibiotic resistance chart
Simple, easy-to-read interpretation guide (S, R, I)