microdilutie

Microdilution is a laboratory technique used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antimicrobial agents against specific microorganisms. It is a standardized method widely employed in clinical microbiology to assess the susceptibility of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens to various antimicrobial drugs.

The process involves preparing a series of two-fold dilutions of the antimicrobial agent in a liquid growth medium within microtiter plates or test tubes. A standardized inoculum of the target microorganism is then added to each dilution. Following incubation, typically at a specific temperature for a defined period, each well or tube is examined for growth. The MIC is identified as the lowest concentration of the antimicrobial agent that inhibits visible microbial growth.

Microdilution offers several advantages, including high-throughput capability, quantifiable results, and suitability for testing multiple agents simultaneously. It is considered a reliable alternative to agar-based methods such as disk diffusion or E-test, providing precise concentration data essential for guiding antimicrobial therapy.

The technique follows guidelines established by organizations such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). It is routinely used in research, quality control, and clinical settings to ensure effective antimicrobial use and monitor resistance patterns.

Overall, microdilution is a critical tool in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, contributing to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infectious diseases.