Final answer:
The test conducted to determine the antibiotics a pathogen is susceptible to is called a Culture and Sensibility Test, commonly performed using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Test.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explanation of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
If a patient is being tested to determine which antibiotics a pathogen is susceptible to, the test being conducted is a Culture and Sensitivity Test. This test is essential in the field of microbiology to assess which antibiotics are effective against particular bacterial strains. One common method for testing antibiotic susceptibility is the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Test, which involves inoculating a Mueller-Hinton agar plate with the bacteria in question and placing disks containing antibiotics on the plate. The presence of clear zones of inhibition around the disks indicates the effectiveness of the antibiotics. These zones are measured to determine the susceptibility of the bacteria to the different antibiotics, aiding in the selection of the appropriate treatment for an infection.
The Kirby-Bauer test is part of a broader approach to diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. While culture methods are invaluable, sometimes physicians must initiate treatment based on symptoms and experience due to the urgency of an infection. This is known as empiric therapy. Nevertheless, conclusive lab tests like the Kirby-Bauer facilitate better-targeted treatments, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.