Antibiotic susceptibility testing is a crucial laboratory procedure used to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics
against bacterial pathogens. One of the most widely used methods is the disk diffusion test, also known as
the Kirby-Bauer test. This simple yet effective technique helps clinicians select the most appropriate antibiotic for
treating infections, ensuring both efficacy and minimizing the risk of resistance development.

In the disk diffusion method, bacterial isolates are cultured on an agar plate, and paper discs impregnated with specific
antibiotics are placed on the surface. As the bacteria grow, the antibiotic diffuses from the disc into the surrounding agar.
The zone of inhibition — an area where the bacteria cannot grow — forms around each disc. The size of this zone is
measured and compared to predefined standards to classify the bacteria as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant
to the antibiotic in question.

Seven commonly used oral antibiotics for the treatment of Escherichia coli (E. coli) urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The choice of antibiotic may vary depending on local resistance patterns. In addition to local resistance, patient-specific
factors such as renal function, allergies, and the severity of the infection may influence antibiotic selection.

AMP	Ampicillin	AMC	Amoxicillin/Clavulanate	CXM	Cefuroxime	SXT	Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
CIP	Ciprofloxacin	FOS	Fosfomycin	NFE	Nitrofurantoin