🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Susceptibility Test for Levofloxacin checks whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is resistant or susceptible to levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used in drug-resistant TB treatment.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → TB bacteria respond to levofloxacin (the drug is effective).
Resistant (R) → TB bacteria do not respond to levofloxacin (alternative treatments needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; may require adjusted dosing or an alternative drug.
(Exact values may depend on laboratory-specific testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if levofloxacin can effectively treat TB
✅ Guides treatment plans for drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB/XDR-TB)
✅ Prevents ineffective antibiotic use and resistance
✅ Helps doctors adjust medication regimens for better TB management
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB)
🔹 TB cases not responding to standard first-line antibiotics
🔹 Individuals at high risk of drug-resistant TB (e.g., prior TB treatment, immunocompromised patients)
🔹 To customize TB therapy based on resistance patterns
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or fluid sample is collected.
The TB bacteria are cultured in a lab and exposed to levofloxacin.
Results can take several weeks since TB bacteria grow slowly.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Levofloxacin can be used to treat TB.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative antibiotics or second-line TB treatments are needed.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Blue and red color scheme (representing medical and bacterial elements)
A TB bacteria icon with antibiotic symbols
A simple result interpretation guide (S, R, I)