Why Are Agar-Based Media Important in Epidemiology?
Agar-based media are crucial in Epidemiology for several reasons:
Isolation and Identification: They help in isolating and identifying pathogens from clinical and environmental samples, which is essential for diagnosing infectious diseases. Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing: Agar plates are used in antibiotic sensitivity tests, such as the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to various antibiotics. Outbreak Investigation: During an outbreak, agar-based media assist in identifying the causative agents and tracking their sources, which is vital for controlling the spread of infections.
