Evaluation of Etest for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

The Etest method for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was compared to the agar proportion method using four first-line agents and two fluoroquinolones. Categorical agreement between the methods was 100% for rifampin, ethambutol, streptomycin, and ofloxacin and 98% for isoniazid. Results were obtained in 6 to 10 days by Etest. The Etest method is suitable for testing the agents evaluated against M. tuberculosis.