title: Determination of disk diffusion susceptibility testing interpretive criteria using model-based analysis: development and implementation.
abstract: The determination of diffusion test breakpoints has become a challenging issue due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics. Currently, the most commonly-used method for determining these breakpoints is the modified error-rate bounded method. Its use has remained widespread despite the introduction of several model-based methods that have been shown superior in terms of precision and accuracy. However, the computational complexities associated with these new approaches has been a significant barrier for clinicians. To remedy this, we developed and examine the utility of a free online software package designed for the determination of diffusion test breakpoints: dBETS (diffusion Breakpoint Estimation Testing Software). This software package allows clinicians to easily analyze data from susceptibility experiments through visualization, error-rate bounded, and model-based approaches. We analyze four publicly available data sets from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute using dBETS.
authors.affiliation: Fitbit, 405 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. Electronic address: glen.depalma@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Glen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: DePalma
authors.affiliation: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turnidge
authors.affiliation: Department of Statistics, Purdue University, 250 N. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D052978:Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D012984:Software
keywords: Antibiotics; Breakpoint Estimation; Disk Diffusion; Error-Rate Bounded; Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; Software Package; Susceptibility