Modern-day Antibacterial Testing Methods

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Often when we get cut accidentally by iron nails, it is suggested to take a tetanus injection within 24 hours. Ever wonder why? The answer is simple: the iron nail may contain bacteria, namely tetanus which may infect your affected area. Bacterial diseases named pneumonia might sound normal, but it is a bacterial disease that can lead to death. In the mid-twentieth century, tuberculosis (TB) was common in village areas, a major concern for the government.

Now let’s understand what bacterial diseases are. Bacterial diseases are caused, as the name suggests, primarily because of bacteria. Bacteria is a microorganism which releases toxins which infect humans rapidly. It is not that contiguous as of viral infections, but yet it is harmful to human mankind. To detect bacterial diseases, it is necessary to conduct the test based on which antibodies can be given by doctors. There are many techniques of Antibacterial testing.

Nowadays, as the technology is growing, testing rapidly is also becoming modern, and high accuracy techniques are being used. Not only for the detection of the diseases, but it also helps pharmaceutical companies produce medicine and research to curb any further complications caused by bacteria. Now let’s get into deep of this topic

1. Traditional methods

In schools, we have studies that Alexander Fleming first discovered Penicillin, an antibody that is a revolutionary change in the history of antibodies. Now I must be wondering what antibodies are? Antibodies are the microorganisms that are weakened and injected into the human body to fight against the infection caused by the microorganism of the same family.

The traditional way for the treatment of any bacterial disease is antibody treatment. Based on that, all the testing is done by focusing on the antibodies produced in our body which is the general defence mechanism of the human body. In the laboratory, the antibodies are synthesized chemically by making them weak.

2. The modern way of testing

One of the most popular, user-friendly, and cost-efficient techniques in modern techniques is Antibacterial sensitivity testing. Lets us dive deeper to understand. Anti + bacteria+ sensitivity means a substance that kills bacterial growth and reduces bacterial growth. In this method, we can see bacterial colonies that will inhibit. The greater the colony of bacteria in the swab more dangerous for the human body. This will help to know the sensitivity against any bacterial diseases. On the basis of this, antibacterial medicines can be prepared by using this test.

The procedure for antibacterial test is quite simple.

Materials required are- Agar plate/nutrient agar, Ethanol, Broth culture, Cotton bugs, Antibiotic disk-like myosin etc. The process is first to spread the swab taken from bio culture using the cotton bug. Spread the swab horizontally in a spread plate and simply apply heat. Then the bacteria colony will appear in the spreadsheet by seeing through a microscope.

The second effective method is the Dilution method.

This is the most efficient testing method that is used in modern days. Its accuracy of giving MIC value (Minimum inhibitory concentration) is very high. Also, the estimation of microbial concentration is quite accurate. It can be performed in normal clinical laboratories, and is easy to carry and user friendly. There are different Dilution methods that are part of this Dilution.

1. Pros and cons of Antibacterial testing.

Everything in this world has some pros and cons, such as this testing procedure.

The advantages of antibacterial testing are as follows-

1. It is easy to examine from sample swab (stool, blood, nasal swab)
2. As it is highly sensitive therefore gives accurate results.
3. This process can access the DNA, which will be helpful in recognizing the particular bacterial infection.
4. Can store samples in the freezer for further studies.
5. The person who is performing the test should not require high-level skills. A moderate level of skill is enough.
6. One of the most important pros of this test is its high specificity, which means the antibody produced is effective toward bacterial infections.

Now let us know some cons or disadvantages of this process.

1. It is difficult to classify between dead cell and live cell while performing this test,
2. It is only dependent on pre-set sequence identities which is a major drawback.
3. This test also depended upon a preset or well-designed primer set.
4. While performing any test, there is a high probability of being contaminated and spread, so as in this testing procedure, the same risk is there.
5. It is time-consuming as well as resources intensive.
6. If you need the best results from this testing procedure, then high skill is required to conduct this antibacterial testing.

Conclusion of this topic

As humans live in this world, so non-visible organisms known as microorganisms are also living with us. Due to their small size, they enter our body through different pathogens, resulting in bacterial diseases. But our body tries to fight against it by producing antibodies. But in some situations, we need outer support to curb the diseases. The modern antibacterial testing procedure has given a boost to the immune system of the human body. By conducting tests and weakening the bacteria, we produce antibodies that are extremely helpful in the long run. As bacteria can reproduce quickly in the host, it is of utmost necessity to conduct the test and stop it from spreading. Many developing countries are opting for modern anti-bacterial testing, but some low-income countries cannot afford the testing. But this is the future, and humans have to adapt to it.

Also read - The Testing For Safe Products With Clean, Environment Friendly and Disinfects.