True or False. Bacterial growth (small discrete colonies within the ZOI) represent bacteria that are resistant to the antimicrobial agent.

True.

The presence of small discrete colonies of bacteria within the zone of inhibition (ZOI) indicates that these bacteria have developed some level of resistance to the antimicrobial agent being tested. The zone of inhibition is the area around an antimicrobial agent where bacterial growth is prevented, indicating the agent's effectiveness. However, if there are colonies growing within this area, it suggests that those particular bacteria have mechanisms that allow them to survive despite the presence of the antimicrobial agent. This phenomenon is a key concern in microbiology and clinical settings, as it highlights the potential for resistant strains to persist and proliferate, undermining treatment efforts.