Comparison of tablets and paper discs for antibiotic sensitivity testing

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Paper discs are standard for antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
• Some antibiotics are unstable in paper disc formulations.
• Tablets offer a potentially more stable reservoir for antimicrobial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of antimicrobial agent tablets versus paper discs in sensitivity testing.
• To evaluate the stability and release characteristics of antibiotics from tablets.
• To assess the clinical relevance of tablet-based antimicrobial sensitivity testing.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of antimicrobial agent release from tablets and paper discs.
• Stability testing of antibiotics in tablets under adverse storage conditions.
• Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of common pathogenic organisms using both tablet and disc methods.

Main Results:

• Tablets demonstrated superior antibiotic stability over 50 days compared to paper discs.
• Antibiotic release from tablets varied significantly (2-69%), impacting test accuracy.
• Tablet method results generally aligned with disc method, except for 47% of aminoglycoside tests where sensitive strains appeared resistant.

Conclusions:

• Antimicrobial agent tablets show promise due to enhanced stability.
• Further optimization of antibiotic release from tablets is needed for reliable sensitivity testing.
• Tablets could be a viable alternative to paper discs with adjusted antibiotic content and improved release profiles.