🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Susceptibility Test for Erythromycin checks whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) or other acid-fast bacteria are resistant or susceptible to erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic. This helps determine if erythromycin is an effective treatment option.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → Bacteria respond to erythromycin (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → Bacteria do not respond (alternative treatment needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; higher dose or another antibiotic may be needed.
(Exact values may vary by laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if erythromycin can effectively treat an infection
✅ Helps guide treatment for non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections
✅ Assists in identifying drug-resistant strains of TB and NTM
✅ Prevents ineffective antibiotic use and promotes proper treatment plans
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with suspected TB or NTM infections
🔹 People not responding to standard TB treatments
🔹 Individuals with lung diseases caused by atypical mycobacteria
🔹 To customize antibiotic therapy based on resistance patterns
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured in a lab and exposed to erythromycin.
Results may take several weeks due to slow bacterial growth.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Erythromycin can be used as a treatment.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative antibiotics should be used.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Medical-themed color scheme (blue, red, and white)
Bacteria illustration with an antibiotic test graphic
Simple and clear table for result interpretation (S, R, I)