Optimized broth microdilution plate methodology for drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

Overview

The broth microdilution plate method represents a promising solution for comprehensive and quality-assured phenotypic drug susceptibility testing in tuberculosis (TB). Using this method up to 12 anti-TB agents can be tested simultaneously providing quantitative levels of resistance and aid individualized patient treatment decisions.
This document provides an optimized plate design and standardized methodology to facilitate the improvement of the method for clinical use. The WHO calls on manufacturers to take forward this optimized method and make it available for programmatic use in resource-limited settings.