AFB-MTb antibiogram Clofazimine

The AFB‑MTb antibiogram for Clofazimine is a laboratory susceptibility test performed on Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates to determine whether the strain is inhibited by Clofazimine. This test measures the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and provides a phenotypic interpretation (susceptible, intermediate, or resistant), giving clinicians precise, drug-specific data to guide TB treatment decisions. Conducted in accredited laboratories using culture-based methods, the antibiogram is essential for tailoring regimens in drug-resistant and complex tuberculosis cases.

This at‑home enabled service in Dubai and across the UAE facilitates safe sample collection and rapid transport to specialised reference labs, helping clinicians accelerate appropriate therapy adjustments while minimising patient travel. It is particularly useful for patients with suspected multidrug-resistant TB, treatment failure or relapse, or those being considered for regimens that include Clofazimine; results support safer, more effective prescribing and adherence to UAE TB management protocols.

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex — culture isolate identification
• Clofazimine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC, µg/mL)
• Clofazimine phenotypic susceptibility interpretation (Susceptible / Intermediate / Resistant)
• Growth control and quality-control strain results
• Test method indicator (e.g., MGIT broth microdilution or agar proportion)

• Suspected multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis
• Patients with persistent positive sputum or clinical deterioration on standard therapy
• Treatment relapse or previous TB with unknown susceptibility profile
• Before initiating or modifying regimens that include Clofazimine
• Known contact of a patient with Clofazimine‑resistant TB

• Definitive, phenotypic determination of Clofazimine activity against the isolate
• Enables individualized TB treatment plans and safer drug selection
• Reduces risk of ineffective therapy and unnecessary toxicity
• Convenient at‑home collection and specialist laboratory processing in Dubai/UAE
• Supports compliance with national TB control and clinical management guidelines

• Viable respiratory specimen (expectorated or induced sputum) or confirmed MTb culture isolate
• Prior positive AFB smear or clinical indication for susceptibility testing recommended
• Collection performed by trained technician with biohazard packaging for transport
• Inform laboratory of recent anti‑TB medications or ongoing treatment prior to sampling