Answer :
An Etest, or Epsilometer test, is used in microbiology to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria. It is a widely used method for finding out how effective a given antibiotic is against a specific bacterial strain.
Two pieces of information that are obtained from an Etest are:
Is a bacterial strain sensitive to a particular antibiotic?
The Etest helps determine whether a bacterial strain is sensitive, intermediate, or resistant to a particular antibiotic. This is done by observing the growth of bacteria around the test strip impregnated with the antibiotic. If bacteria do not grow close to the strip, it indicates sensitivity to the antibiotic.
What is the MIC of an antibiotic for a particular bacterial strain?
The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic that prevents visible growth of a bacterium. The Etest strip has a gradient of antibiotic concentrations, and the point where bacterial growth is inhibited corresponds to the MIC value. This helps in determining the appropriate dosage of antibiotics for effective treatment.
Overall, the Etest is a practical tool for clinicians in selecting the most suitable antibiotic treatment, aiding in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
