[Practical meaning of the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (author's transl)].

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) are the parameters generally used for evaluation of the activity of antibacterial agents. Particular care must be taken for the control of experimental conditions in which the MICs and the MBCs are determined (medium, inoculum, incubation, etc.) in order to obtain informations able to help in the choice and management of the dosage regimen of an antibacterial agent. The significance of MIC and MBC is discussed in connection with blood and tissue levels attainable during therapy and with the pharmacokinetic properties of a drug.