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Division 4.5 Testing of anti-microbial susceptibility

United Kingdom

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

In case of testing for anti-microbial susceptibility (optional), a validated and controlled method for testing shall be used, such as those recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, since 1 January 2005: ‘Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’ — CLSI).

Both agar diffusion and broth dilution methods are acceptable. Results shall be reported both as quantitative data (MIC for dilution methods and inhibition zone diameter for diffusion methods) and as qualitative data (proportion resistant isolates). Qualitative data shall be based on interpretation according to epidemiological cut-off values presented by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) at: http://www.eucast.org

The isolates shall be tested for the susceptibility to the antimicrobial substances listed below:

  • Ampicillin or Amoxicillin,

  • Tetracycline,

  • Chloramphenicol,

  • Florfenicol,

  • Nalidixic acid,

  • Ciprofloxacin (preferably) or Enrofloxacin,

  • Sulphonamide (preferably Sulfametoxazole),

  • Sulphonamide/Trimethoprim or Trimethoprim,

  • Gentamicin,

  • Streptomycin,

  • Kanamycin (preferably) or Neomycin,

  • third generation Cephalosporin, (preferably Cefotaxime),

  • Colistin (optional).

Before initiation of the study Member States are encouraged to organise training for the involved parties.