Final answer:
The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) are important measures of the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs. The value of MBC/MIC indicates whether a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect is demonstrated by a bacteriostatic agent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) are important measures of the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs.
The MIC is the lowest concentration of a drug that inhibits visible bacterial growth, while the MBC is the lowest drug concentration that kills ≥99.9% of the starting inoculum.
The value of MBC/MIC indicates whether a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect is demonstrated by a bacteriostatic agent, which inhibits bacterial growth but does not kill the bacteria completely. A value of MBC/MIC less than or equal to 4 suggests a bactericidal effect, while a value greater than 4 suggests a bacteriostatic effect.