Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Does the KBDD work on already existing bacteria? Or does it only work when you're growing bacteria?
I need this ASAP please.
Thank you soooo much in advance.

Hi!
Great question! There is a lot of information about this online- you can get a good background on Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion by checking these websites out-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby-Baue ... ic_testing
For background on the actual process/method:
http://imutu.com/search.php?q=kirby%20b ... 20bacteria
http://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/ ... /dds.shtml

To answer your question, from what I have read, the Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing utilizes the growth (or absence of growth) of the bacteria in order to determine the effectiveness of the antibiotic and the susceptibility of the bacteria to the specific antibiotic. Existing bacteria can be used used with this method insofar as a culture can be obtained and growth in the agar along with the antibiotic-coated wafers. I hope that helps, good luck!

Alright thanks soooo much <33333.