EXERCISE 7 KIRBY-BAUER ANTIBIOTIC DISK SENSITIVITY TEST

OBJECTIVES:

Students should be able to:

1. Discuss antibiotic sensitivity test
2. Describe the procedure involved in the Kirby-Bauer antibiotic disk sensitivity test
3. Interpret the zone of inhibition result
4. Identify the factors controlling the Kirby-Bauer method

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Discuss in your groups what antibiotic sensitivity test is all about.

2. In a tabular form list/identify common pathogenic microorganisms and its susceptibility to
certain antimicrobial agents (as interpreted by the zone of inhibition).
3. Enumerate and discuss the different mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents and give
examples of drug categories under each mechanism.
4. List 5 examples of drugs under each category mentioned in answer no. 3.s

QUESTIONS:

1. What is antibiotic sensitivity test? Explain.

2. What are the factors that influence the Kirby-Bauer method?
3. What factors must be carefully controlled in the Kirby-Bauer method and why does it need
to be controlled?
4. What is the importance of comparing the results of the zone of inhibition with the known
standard of inhibition zones of test cultures?
5. What is the significance of antibiotic sensitivity test in antimicrobial therapy? Expound your
answer.