2
8) Describe the characteristics of a good antimicrobial,
a) Selective toxicity
b) Spectrum of activity
c) Mode of action
9) What are the basic rules of susceptibility testing?
10) Explain the basics of the different types of susceptibility testing and the benefits of automation.
a) Kirby-Bauer (disc diffusion)
b) MIC (broth dilution and ETEST)
11) Define MIC and know how to read susceptibility reports, including the numerical values and the related
interpretations (S, I, R).
12) Mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents - match microbial agent to function.
13) Factors which influence the effectiveness of antimicrobials, the susceptibility of the organism and the concentration
of the drug in the body.
14) What are the four factors that contribute to the development of emerging resistant organisms? What actions can be
taken to prevent and/or reduce the development of resistant organisms?
15) How does the production of enzymes, like beta lactamase, contribute to a resistant population? How do organisms
obtain these enzymes?
16) What are some ways we control the spread of resistant organisms, like MRSA?
