To calculate the antibiotic resistance index, divide the number of antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to by the total number of antibiotics used, and then multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
The Antibiotic Resistance Index (ARI) is a useful tool to measure the extent of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This index is essential for understanding how resistant a bacterial population is to the antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.
It helps public health officials, hospitals, and researchers gauge the threat posed by antibiotic resistance, and is often used in studies focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns.

Formula:
Contents
The formula to calculate the Antibiotic Resistance Index (ARI) is:
Where:
- TAR = Total Antibiotics Resistant (number of antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to)
- TAU = Total Antibiotics Used (total number of antibiotics tested)
How to Calculate ?
- Determine the Total Antibiotics Resistant (TAR): Count how many antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to.
- Determine the Total Antibiotics Used (TAU): Count how many antibiotics were used in testing.
- Apply the formula: Divide TAR by TAU and multiply by 100 to get the Antibiotic Resistance Index.
Solved Calculations:
Example 1:
A bacterial strain is resistant to 3 out of the 10 antibiotics tested. Calculate the Antibiotic Resistance Index.
Step | Calculation | Explanation |
---|---|---|
1 | Formula: ARI = (TAR / TAU) * 100 | Start with the formula. |
2 | ARI = (3 / 10) * 100 | Plug in values for TAR and TAU. |
3 | ARI = 0.3 * 100 | Divide the resistant antibiotics by the total antibiotics used. |
4 | ARI = 30% | Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage. |
Answer: The Antibiotic Resistance Index is 30%.
Example 2:
In another study, a bacterial strain shows resistance to 5 out of the 12 antibiotics tested. Calculate the Antibiotic Resistance Index.
Step | Calculation | Explanation |
---|---|---|
1 | Formula: ARI = (TAR / TAU) * 100 | Start with the formula. |
2 | ARI = (5 / 12) * 100 | Insert the values for TAR and TAU. |
3 | ARI = 0.4167 * 100 | Divide the resistant antibiotics by the total antibiotics used. |
4 | ARI = 41.67% | Multiply the result by 100 to get the percentage. |
Answer: The Antibiotic Resistance Index is 41.67%.
What is Antibiotic Resistance Calculator ?
The Antibiotic Resistance Index Calculator is an essential tool for assessing how bacteria respond to antibiotic treatments. This calculator helps healthcare professionals and researchers measure the effectiveness of antibiotics and track patterns of resistance over time.
The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index is a key metric derived from this calculator. It indicates the proportion of antibiotics to which a specific bacterial strain is resistant. Understanding the MAR index is crucial for guiding treatment choices, especially in areas with high levels of antibiotic resistance, such as Pakistan.
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern, as it complicates the treatment of infections and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. This index helps identify trends in resistance, allowing for better strategies in managing and preventing infections.
Final Words:
By analyzing the antibiotic resistance database and antimicrobial resistance graphs, public health officials can make informed decisions to combat this critical issue. Overall, the Antibiotic Resistance Index Calculator serves as a vital resource in the ongoing fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.