AFB-MTb antibiogram Kanamycin

The AFB‑MTb antibiogram Kanamycin is a home‑based antibiotic susceptibility test that determines whether a Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolate is susceptible or resistant to kanamycin, an aminoglycoside used as a second‑line injectable in multidrug‑resistant TB (MDR‑TB) regimens. Specimens (typically early‑morning sputum) are collected at the patient’s residence by trained staff and sent to an accredited Dubai laboratory for phenotypic culture‑based drug susceptibility testing (DST) and, where available, targeted molecular testing for known resistance mutations (e.g., rrs, eis). Accurate kanamycin susceptibility results are critical to avoid ineffective therapy, minimise unnecessary exposure to ototoxic drugs, and support timely, guideline‑aligned treatment decisions for TB care in the UAE.

This test is recommended for patients with prior TB treatment, treatment failure or relapse, persistent positive smears or cultures despite therapy, contacts of known MDR/XDR‑TB cases, or when clinicians consider initiating kanamycin as part of a second‑line regimen. Results typically include susceptibility interpretation (Sensitive/Resistant) and, when performed, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or molecular resistance marker findings; turnaround varies by method (molecular testing can return results within days, while phenotypic DST may take several weeks). All results are issued to the treating clinician with laboratory comments and patients are advised to follow up with a pulmonologist or infectious‑disease specialist for interpretation and treatment planning in accordance with Dubai health regulations.

• Kanamycin susceptibility (Sensitive / Resistant)
• Kanamycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)
• Phenotypic drug susceptibility (culture-based DST)
• Molecular resistance markers (rrs / eis gene mutations)

• Prior TB treatment, relapse, or treatment failure
• Persistent positive sputum smear or culture despite therapy
• Contact with a known MDR or XDR‑TB case
• Before initiating kanamycin or other injectable second‑line drugs
• Suspected resistance based on clinical or radiological deterioration

• Guides targeted TB regimen selection to improve treatment success
• Identifies kanamycin resistance to avoid ineffective and toxic therapy
• Reduces risk of aminoglycoside-related toxicity (e.g., hearing loss)
• Home sample collection with accredited Dubai laboratory processing
• Combined molecular and phenotypic reporting to clinicians for rapid action

• Early‑morning deep sputum sample(s) collected at home in provided sterile container
• Prior positive AFB smear or MTB culture recommended (if available) for isolate testing
• Patient available at scheduled home collection and able to follow collection guidance
• Provide current TB treatment history and recent antibiotic use; valid UAE ID and address required for home service