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An AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) culture is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of mycobacteria, the group of bacteria that includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). Unlike a smear test, which provides a rapid but less sensitive result, a culture test is considered the "gold standard" for TB diagnosis because it allows the bacteria to grow and multiply over several weeks. This process, typically taking 2-8 weeks, significantly increases the test's sensitivity, enabling the detection of even a small number of bacteria. The culture also allows for drug susceptibility testing, which is crucial for determining the most effective antibiotics to treat the infection, especially in cases of drug-resistant TB. While the long wait time is a drawback, the culture's high accuracy and ability to guide treatment make it an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of TB and other mycobacterial infections.
