AFB Susc. Rifampicin

This test determines the sensitivity or resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (AFB) to rifampicin, a critical first-line drug used in tuberculosis (TB) treatment.

This test is recommended for:

• Patients diagnosed with active TB to assess drug resistance.
• Individuals with a history of incomplete TB treatment.
• Patients showing poor response to standard TB treatment.

A sputum or tissue sample is cultured, and rifampicin susceptibility is assessed using molecular techniques like GeneXpert, MGIT, or Line Probe Assay (LPA).

• Sensitive to Rifampicin: Indicates the TB bacteria can be treated effectively with rifampicin.
• Resistant to Rifampicin: Suggests multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) requiring alternate treatment.

Detecting rifampicin resistance is crucial for guiding appropriate TB treatment and preventing the spread of MDR-TB.