Cystitis: a quick test shows which antibiotic will help

In the case of a bacterial urinary tract infection spectrum antibiotics are often broadly used. It would be better to treat the infection with the correct antibiotic. Results from laboratory tests, which provide evidence of this, however, can leave up to four days. Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new test system, the cost is similar to a pregnancy test quickly, indicating a convenient and directly in front of the place, whether and which antibiotic is suitable.

The test system consists of absorbent paper to absorb a liquid sample, such as a urinary tract infection the urine. The sample is distributed and gets into the test areas, which contain four different antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Nitrofurantoin). If bacteria are present, a blue coloration, and if the infection can be treated with an antibiotic is the appropriate area to. In this way, unnecessary use of antibiotics should be avoided by viruses and not bacteria are the cause of the infection. It is a bacterial infection, can be an effective drug to treated.

The Test shows which antibiotic fits

The scientists compared their new test system with the usual laboratory tests, in which bacteria from the sample to the laboratory in a Petri dish and are cultured with culture medium added. With artificial urine, which was mixed with a typical pathogens of urinary tract infections, they achieved comparable results.

The reduction of the excessive use, especially of broad-spectrum antibiotics is important to prevent the development of Resistance. "By Doctors to quickly determine whether an infection is caused by bacteria and whether the bacteria with resistance to four common antibiotics are resistant, could unnecessary prescriptions, reduce lassen", Dr. Collin Sones, of the University of Southampton said. The contribute decisively to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

ZOU