Final answer:
A bactericidal agent demonstrates an MBC/MIC value greater than or equal to 1, indicating that the minimal bactericidal concentration is equal to or higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration. Determining these concentrations is crucial in selecting the most effective antimicrobial drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
The value of MBC/MIC that a bactericidal agent demonstrates is greater than or equal to 1. This means that the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) is equal to or higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antimicrobial drug.
The MIC is the lowest concentration of a drug that inhibits visible bacterial growth, while the MBC is the lowest concentration that kills ≥99.9% of the starting inoculum. Determining these concentrations is important in identifying the most effective drug for a particular pathogen.
For effective treatment, the serum levels of an antibacterial drug should be at least three to five times above the MIC.