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Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Assay
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Quick understanding of the test
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Assay
It can be performed by two ways :
- Broth dilution- The broth dilution method determines the MIC of an antimicrobial agent by serially diluting it in a liquid medium and adding a standardized bacterial suspension.
- Agar dilution –The agar dilution method determines MIC by evaluating microbial growth on agar plates with serial dilutions of an antimicrobial agent
- MIC determines the precise antimicrobial concentration to inhibit bacteria, optimising treatment and reducing side effects.
- MIC testing promotes appropriate antimicrobial use, reducing misuse and resistance risk.
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Abstract
The MIC test is a laboratory technique that defines the minimum concentration of an antimicrobial agent needed to inhibit the visible growth of a microorganism. The determination of such MIC is important in testing antibiotics, antifungals, and other forms of antimicrobial agents to help determine whether a compound is effective against target microorganism. This helps the health care professionals to make informed choices about which appropriate treatments they need to employ.
Importance of MIC test
- The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicates the smallest amount of an antibiotic that can inhibit the growth of a pathogen and thus aid in the selection of the most effective treatment.
- MIC testing is crucial for determining effective treatments against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species), which are known to cause serious infections in intensive care environments.
- Using antibiotics based on MIC data reduces the chances of underdosing, which can lead to resistant strains.
- The MIC values allow healthcare professionals to adjust antibiotic dosages for each patient in accordance with specific needs, and this enhances the therapeutic outcome.
MIC test method conditions
Standardized conditions must be followed while conducting the MIC test, and proper attention must be given to the pH, temperature, and growth media composition.
For accurate measurements of MIC, nutrient, aeration, and oxygen levels may be controlled, with considerations for moisture and osmolarity.
Methodology of MIC
MIC can be performed by two ways :
- Broth dilution test – In this method, the agent is serially diluted in a liquid growth medium. The diluted culture is then inoculated with standardized bacterial suspension and incubated to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration as the lowest concentration that would prevent visible growth.
- Agar dilution method – `The agar dilution method evaluates MIC by adding serially diluted antimicrobial agents to the agar medium. A standard bacterial inoculum is then plated onto the agar medium, and plates are incubated at 35ยฐC for 16โ20 hours. The lowest concentration of the antimicrobial agent that inhibits visible bacterial growth is considered the MIC.
Strengths of MIC in microbiology
The MIC test offers several advantages in both clinical and industrial applications:
- The MIC test is easy to set up and carry out, which subsequently enhances the outcome of the test.
- The MIC test can be performed on a small scale, thus reducing the quantity of the antimicrobial agent used.
Limitations relating to the use of MIC test values
- Small changes in MIC test parameters can significantly affect results.
- The MIC test shows that the antimicrobial agent may inhibit growth at certain concentrations, but it does not confirm complete eradication of microorganisms.
Conclusion
At MIS, we offer a comprehensive range of services to evaluate the efficacy of compounds and products designed for antimicrobial protection. Our team of expert microbiologists and research professionals brings extensive knowledge in conducting precise test procedures, as well as interpreting microbiological data and reports.
For any inquiries related to MIC testing or other antimicrobial testing services, feel free to reach out to our experts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
MIC test determines the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the visible growth of the pathogenic bacterium.
This test applies to antimicrobial drugs, disinfectants, and other liquid formulations.
The turnaround time for the MIC is 3-4 days.
At MIS, we perform MIC test using bacterial strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella entrerica, and Candida albicans.
Common methods for performing MIC tests include agar dilution and broth dilution
No, MIC is not the same as Minimum Bactericidal Concentration.
The factors influencing the MIC values are inoculum size, incubation conditions, growth media, etc.
Small changes in MIC test parameters can significantly affect results.
The MIC value l determines how many antibiotics one needs to take since it describes the lowest concentration of antibiotics needed to inhibit the bacteria from growing, which enhances the effectiveness of the medication.
MIC is the quantitative method for determining the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent required to inhibit visible microbial growth. The disk diffusion method determines antimicrobial susceptibility by measuring the zone of inhibition around an antibiotic-impregnated disk.
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