The Effect of Inoculum Size on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Kübra Yıldırım, Cemilenur Ataş, Ece Şimşek, Ahmet Yılmaz Çoban
Abstract
During DST application, it can be challenging to evenly homogenize TB cell clumps with lipid-rich cell walls. These experiments must be carried out under Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory conditions with personal protective equipment and taking safety precautions because the procedures applied at this stage cause the formation of bacillus-laden aerosols and carry a serious risk of transmission. Considering this situation, this stage is important given that it is not possible to establish a BSL-3 laboratory in poor and developing countries. Reducing the manipulations to be applied during the preparation of bacterial turbidity will minimize the risk of aerosol formation. Perhaps there will be no need to do these steps for susceptibility tests in these countries or even in developed countries.