Are there any difficulties in using disc diffusion method as a test for antimicrobial susceptibility?
I used this test and it's simple and practical and has been well-standardized. however, the results of the disk diffusion test are qualitative, which means that a category of susceptibility (susceptible, intermediate, or resistant) is derived from the test rather than a MIC. if you want a MIC, you should use Broth dilution tests or the Antimicrobial gradient method.
As I said it is simple and results would be ready in 18 - 24 hours, The zones of growth inhibition around each of the antibiotic disks are measured to the nearest millimeter.
You can follow the instructions of CLSI concerning antibiotic sensitivity testing and broth microdilution assay, in particular, CLSI documents (M100) and (M07-A10).
Best practices for antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disc diffusion involve standardization, quality control, inoculum consistency, appropriate media, quality antibiotic disks, controlled incubation, and accurate interpretation. Challenges include operator-dependent variability, potential false results, lack of automation, issues with fastidious organisms, and a limited range of antibiotics.
The agar-well diffusion method enhances accuracy by utilizing wells for antibiotic/sample placement. The microtitre plate method, based on resazurin, allows high-throughput testing and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. However, both methods demand precision and standardization. Overall, while the disc diffusion method remains valuable, alternative methods offer advantages but come with specific technical requirements and challenges. For further assistance, you can follow the following research articles of mine: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374223210_Bioefficacy_of_Sida_cordifolia_L_phytoextract_against_foodborne_bacteria_optimization_and_bioactive_compound_analysis
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