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A Reference Broth Microdilution Method for Dalbavancin In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Bacteria that Grow Aerobically
Published on: September 9, 2015
BSAC standardized disc susceptibility testing method (version 10)
1Department of Microbiology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK. jenny.andrews1@nhs.net
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|September 17, 2011
Summary
The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) updated antimicrobial susceptibility testing criteria align with EUCAST, removing some agents and discontinuing unreliable glycopeptide testing for staphylococci. Updated tables for anaerobes are now available.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) standardized disc susceptibility testing method is widely used.
- Harmonization with European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines is crucial for consistent antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
- Changes in interpretative criteria can impact clinical decisions regarding antibiotic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update clinicians and researchers on the latest changes in BSAC disc susceptibility testing interpretative criteria.
- To inform about the harmonization of BSAC criteria with EUCAST MIC breakpoints.
- To highlight specific changes, including agent removals and method modifications.
Main Methods:
- The BSAC disc susceptibility testing method standardization remains unchanged.
- Interpretative criteria have been revised to align with EUCAST MIC breakpoints.
- Specific testing protocols, such as for glycopeptides against staphylococci, have been re-evaluated for reliability.
Main Results:
- Several antimicrobial agents have had their interpretative criteria removed from routine clinical use, with 'Legacy' tables available for research.
- Disc diffusion testing for glycopeptide susceptibility in staphylococci has been discontinued due to unreliability in detecting low-level resistance.
- Expanded tables for anaerobes include EUCAST-determined MIC breakpoints, recommending MIC methods due to lack of zone diameter breakpoints.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must be aware of the updated BSAC interpretative criteria for accurate AST and appropriate patient management.
- The removal of certain agents and testing methods underscores the dynamic nature of antimicrobial stewardship and resistance monitoring.
- Adoption of EUCAST breakpoints and appropriate testing methodologies (e.g., MIC for anaerobes) is essential for effective infectious disease treatment.
