Laboratory Activity No.

9
ANTIMICROBIAL SENSITIVITY TESTING

___ Score: _______________________

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.
2. Using the virtual ruler, measure the zone (diameter) of inhibition around each antibiotic disc in
millimeters.
3. Compare the zone diameters to the Kirby-Bauer Table of Interpretative Standards.
4. Record data as Resistant, Intermediate or Susceptible.
5. Once done with the first plate, Click Menu then Restart for another plate Complete three assay
plates as follows: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
6. Fill out the table for each plates and answer questions.

Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test

Plate 1: Escherichia coli (13 points)
Name of Antibiotics Zone of Inhibition (mm) Interpretation (R,I,S)
Amoxicillin 11 mm <=13 (R)
Cephalothin 18 mm >=18 (S)
Chloramphenicol 31 mm >=18 (S)
Ciprofloxacin 29 mm >=17 (S)
Clindamycin 0 mm <=14 (R)
Erythromycin 0 mm <=13 (R)
Oxacillin 0 mm <=10 (R)
Penicillin G 0 mm <=13 (R)
Streptomycin 19 mm >=15 (S)
Tetracycline 18 mm 15-18 (I)
Tobramycin 24 mm >=15 (S)
Trimethoprim sulfa 28 mm >=16 (S)
Vancomycin - -
 Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test
Plate 2: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12 points)
Name of Antibiotics Zone of Inhibition (mm) Interpretation (R,I,S)
Amoxicillin 0 mm <=13 (R)
Cephalothin 0 mm <=14 (R)
Chloramphenicol 15 mm 13-17 (I)
Ciprofloxacin 32 mm >=17 (S)
Clindamycin 0 mm <=14 (R)
Erythromycin 0 mm <=13 (R)
Oxacillin 0 mm <=10 (R)
Penicillin G 0 mm <=13 (R)
Streptomycin 0 mm <=11 (R)
Tetracycline 0 mm <=14 (R)
Tobramycin 18 mm >=15 (S)
Trimethoprim sulfa 0 mm <=10 (R)

Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test

Plate 3: Staphylococcus aureus (13 points)
Name of Antibiotics Zone of Inhibition (mm) Interpretation (R,I,S)
Amoxicillin 0 mm <=13 (R)
Cephalothin 0 mm <=14 (R)
Chloramphenicol 0 mm <=12 (R)
Ciprofloxacin 0 mm <=12 (R)
Clindamycin 0 mm <=14 (R)
Erythromycin 0 mm <=13 (R)
Oxacillin 0 mm <=10 (R)
Penicillin G 0 mm <=28 (R)
Streptomycin 0 mm <=11 (R)
Tetracycline 0 mm <=14 (R)
Tobramycin 0 mm <=12 (R)
Trimethoprim sulfa 0 mm <=10 (R)
Vancomycin 16 mm >=12 (S)

Questions:

1. What is the drug of choice for patient who had S. Aureus culture? Why? (1 point)

Vancomycin is extremely successful in treating infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus due

to its powerful antibacterial capabilities. Its distinct chemical composition makes it resistant to
resistance development, reducing the possibility of mutations rendering it ineffective against S. aureus.
As a result, Vancomycin is an effective treatment for S. aureus infections.

2. What is antibiotic resistance? (1 point)

 Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to resist antibiotic
actions, resulting in diminished or ineffective treatment of bacterial illnesses. Antibiotic resistance is
exacerbated by factors such as excessive use, overuse, and wrong prescription. Resistance might
develop as a result of genetic mutations or bacterial acquisition of resistance genes. While this occurs
naturally throughout time, human actions hasten the process. Antibiotic resistance has serious effects,
including prolonged and more severe illnesses, increased healthcare expenditures, treatment failures,
and, in extreme circumstances, death. Antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach that
includes encouraging responsible antibiotic use, improving infection prevention and control practices,
increasing surveillance of resistant bacteria, developing new antibiotics and alternative treatments, and
fostering international collaboration. Antibiotic resistance must be effectively managed in order to
maintain antibiotic effectiveness, ensure successful treatment of bacterial illnesses, and limit the
negative effects on world health and the economy.