Antimicrobial Activity Testing Techniques

Abstract

In the last years, the number of infections caused by bacteria and fungi has increased, especially in immunocompromised patients, and at the same time, the arsenal of antimicrobial drugs available has been reduced, mainly due to the increase of microbial resistance. For these reasons, there is a continuing need to investigate and develop safer and more effective antimicrobial agents. Nanotechnology is an alternative for the formulation of antimicrobial drugs because it maintains or increases drug activity and reduces undesirable effects. The investigation of antimicrobial nanoparticles requires adequate susceptibility tests to determine their activity and efficacy. In this chapter, an exhaustive list of in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods are reported described including information on their advantages and limitations.