AFB-MTb antibiogram Ethionamide

The AFB-MTb antibiogram for Ethionamide is a home-enabled laboratory service that determines whether a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolate is susceptible or resistant to Ethionamide, a second-line anti-tuberculosis drug. The test uses cultured AFB isolates or validated molecular/phenotypic methods to report susceptibility status and, where applicable, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values that guide clinical dosing decisions. Rapid and accurate Ethionamide susceptibility data are essential for tailoring treatment regimens in suspected multidrug-resistant (MDR) or previously treated TB cases and for improving outcomes in Dubai and across the UAE.

• Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) culture/growth confirmation
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex identification (MTB)
• Ethionamide susceptibility result (Susceptible / Resistant / Intermediate)
• Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for Ethionamide (where applicable)
• Associated second‑line drug resistance profile (if performed)

• Confirmed MTB infection requiring drug susceptibility testing
• Clinical treatment failure or lack of improvement on standard TB therapy
• Suspected or known exposure to MDR-TB contacts
• Prior treatment with second-line agents where resistance is a concern
• Before initiating or modifying a regimen that includes Ethionamide

• Home sample collection by trained staff with biosafety precautions
• Targeted Ethionamide susceptibility to inform individualized therapy
• Supports rapid clinical decision-making for MDR/XDR-TB management
• Results delivered through accredited Dubai/UAE laboratory reporting channels
• Reduces need for hospital visits—convenient for patients in Dubai and across the UAE

• Early‑morning sputum specimen (or cultured MTB isolate) collected per instructions
• Home collection performed by trained technician following TB biosafety protocols
• Provide clinical history or treating physician referral and valid UAE ID for reporting
• Some methods require a prior positive culture (submit culture bottle/isolated colony if available)