A newly discovered prokaryote produces a compound with promising antimicrobial effects. Devise a set of tests to determine whether the antimicrobial is broad or narrow spectrum and bactericidal or bacteriostatic

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary somewhat, but the following includes elements which should be present. The spectrum of action can be determined by testing the antimicrobial against representatives of the various groups of pathogenic bacteria: Gram positives such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacillus, members of the Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae and other Gram-negative bacteria (Neisseria, for example), mycobacteria, and chlamydias. These tests might be done on broth cultures as MIC tests, or plate cultures as Etests. One or more broad spectrum antibiotics should be included as controls. Once susceptible microbes have been identified, MBC tests can be conducted to determine whether the antimicrobial is bacteriostatic or bactericidal. Appropriate controls should be included.