Rapid estimation of bacterial antibiotic susceptibility with flow cytometry

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Abstract
Summary: Bacterial antibiotic susceptibility was rapidly estimated for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. by flow cytometry. This was achieved by measuring the uptake of a negatively charged membrane potential sensitive dye bis‐(1,3‐dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol and observing changes in low‐angle light scatter (excitation light scattered by up to 15°). Estimations of ampicillin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin susceptibilities were possible within 2–5 h from a plate culture, depending on the species and antibiotic used. This includes the time necessary to establish steady‐state growth in liquid culture.