Using the Kirby-Bauer method, how could you determine if a bacterial pathogen was beginning to become resistant to a drug treatment?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
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Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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**Question:**

Using the Kirby-Bauer method, how could you determine if a bacterial pathogen was beginning to become resistant to a drug treatment?

**Explanation:**

The Kirby-Bauer method, also known as the disk diffusion test, is a standardized technique used to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria. In this method, antibiotic-impregnated paper disks are placed on an agar plate inoculated with the bacteria in question. After incubation, the bacteria grow, but zones of inhibition appear around disks where the antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth.

To determine if a bacterial pathogen is becoming resistant to a drug using this method, you would:

1. Inoculate an agar plate with the bacterial culture.
2. Place antibiotic disks on the agar surface.
3. Incubate the plate to allow bacterial growth.
4. Measure the diameter of the zones of inhibition around each disk.

If the zone of inhibition is below a certain threshold, the bacteria may be developing resistance to that antibiotic. Comparing these measurements to standardized charts reveals whether resistance is present. Diminished or absent zones of inhibition over time may indicate increasing resistance of the bacteria to the drug in question.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** Using the Kirby-Bauer method, how could you determine if a bacterial pathogen was beginning to become resistant to a drug treatment? **Explanation:** The Kirby-Bauer method, also known as the disk diffusion test, is a standardized technique used to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria. In this method, antibiotic-impregnated paper disks are placed on an agar plate inoculated with the bacteria in question. After incubation, the bacteria grow, but zones of inhibition appear around disks where the antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth. To determine if a bacterial pathogen is becoming resistant to a drug using this method, you would: 1. Inoculate an agar plate with the bacterial culture. 2. Place antibiotic disks on the agar surface. 3. Incubate the plate to allow bacterial growth. 4. Measure the diameter of the zones of inhibition around each disk. If the zone of inhibition is below a certain threshold, the bacteria may be developing resistance to that antibiotic. Comparing these measurements to standardized charts reveals whether resistance is present. Diminished or absent zones of inhibition over time may indicate increasing resistance of the bacteria to the drug in question.
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