Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Kit Using Phenol Red Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating mastitis and other bacterial infections in humans and animals are hindered by the inability to rapidly identify the causative bacteria and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility, leading to inappropriate treatment and the development of antibiotic resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method and kit for performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing directly on biological samples using a reaction mix with phenol red and a stabilizing agent, allowing for real-time identification of bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, specifically for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods are used, then accurate identification of bacterial susceptibility is achieved, but the testing time is prolonged and rapid treatment decisions cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating solid phase particles with phenol red indicator and stabilizing agents before exposure to bacteria. This preparation allows the testing system to immediately detect bacterial metabolism and susceptibility without requiring time-consuming setup procedures, thereby maintaining high accuracy while significantly reducing overall testing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical susceptibility testing methods with an optical detection system. By using phenol red color change as an indicator of bacterial susceptibility, the system substitutes complex mechanical measurement procedures with simple optical observation, enabling rapid and accurate results simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If phenol red is used as a pH indicator for bacterial detection, then color change detection is enabled, but bacterial growth is inhibited at sufficient concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilizing agent as an intermediary substance that protects bacteria from the growth-inhibiting effects of phenol red. This stabilizing agent mediates between the phenol red indicator (which needs to be present for detection) and the bacteria (which need to grow for testing), allowing both detection capability and bacterial growth to coexist without compromising either function
3Productivity
If antimicrobial agents are administered without accurate bacterial identification, then immediate treatment is provided, but inappropriate treatment leads to antibiotic resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary identification of bacterial susceptibility through rapid color change detection before antimicrobial treatment is administered. This preliminary action provides accurate guidance for treatment selection, ensuring that appropriate antibiotics are used from the start, thereby preventing the development of antibiotic resistance while maintaining rapid treatment deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the color change result from phenol red provides immediate information about bacterial susceptibility. This feedback allows clinicians to make informed treatment decisions based on actual bacterial response characteristics, preventing inappropriate antibiotic use and the subsequent development of resistance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate selection of appropriate antimicrobial treatments, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and improving treatment outcomes for mastitis and other bacterial infections.
Implementation Method 1
determining the susceptibility of the one or more bacteria in the sample to the antimicrobial agent by observing a colour change when the sample is added to the susceptibility media
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for bacteria identification and anti-microbial susceptibility testing for the treatment of, for example, acute and chronic infections including infectious disease. The present invention is particularly useful in the identification of bacteria causing mastitis, and to antibiotic susceptibility testing to facilitate in the identification of an appropriate treatment for mastitis.