Liofilchem® Clarithromycin CLR, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Discs, 15 µg

Liofilchem® Clarithromycin Discs (15 µg) are high-precision antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) discs designed for use with the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Each disc contains 15 micrograms of Clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic effective primarily against Gram-positive cocci, atypical respiratory pathogens, and Helicobacter pylori. These discs are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality standards to ensure consistent and reliable susceptibility profiling in both clinical and research microbiology settings.

Key Features

• Accurate antibiotic load: Each disc is impregnated with 15 µg of Clarithromycin for precise results.
• Validated for clinical use: Compliant with CLSI and EUCAST susceptibility testing guidelines.
• Broad respiratory coverage: Effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Helicobacter pylori.
• Sterile packaging: Supplied in desiccated cartridges or canisters to maintain potency and sterility.
• Color-coded labeling: Facilitates easy identification during high-throughput workflows.

Applications and Use Cases

1. Clinical Microbiology

Used in diagnostic laboratories to:

• Determine the susceptibility of:
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Staphylococcus aureus (especially macrolide-resistant strains)
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia spp.
  • Helicobacter pylori
• Support antimicrobial selection for:
  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
  • Pharyngitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis
  • Peptic ulcers associated with H. pylori
  • Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs)

2. Surveillance and Resistance Monitoring

• Track emerging macrolide resistance in respiratory pathogens.
• Monitor resistance in H. pylori strains in gastrointestinal infections.

3. Research and Development

• Study macrolide resistance genes (e.g., erm, mef) in Gram-positive and atypical organisms.
• Evaluate the efficacy of Clarithromycin-based triple or quadruple therapies for H. pylori.
• Compare Clarithromycin to other macrolides or lincosamides in experimental models.

Use Instructions

1. Prepare Mueller-Hinton agar plates (supplemented as required for fastidious organisms).
2. Standardize the bacterial inoculum to a 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard.
3. Inoculate the plate uniformly using a sterile swab.
4. Apply one Clarithromycin disc (15 µg) to the agar surface using sterile forceps or a disc dispenser.
5. Incubate the plate at 35 ± 2 °C for 16–18 hours.
6. Measure the diameter of the inhibition zone in millimeters.
7. Interpret the results using CLSI or EUCAST breakpoints specific to the tested organism.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage Conditions: 2–8 °C (refrigerated) in original packaging with desiccant.
• Shelf Life: 2–3 years from the date of manufacture when stored correctly.

Liofilchem® Clarithromycin CLR Discs (15 µg) provide a robust solution for macrolide susceptibility testing across a range of clinically important pathogens. With proven performance, standardized formulation, and compliance with international guidelines, these discs are essential for both diagnostic decision-making and resistance monitoring. Their reliability and versatility make them suitable for use in hospitals, public health labs, and research environments focused on respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.