A multiplex PCR assay in a single tube was developed for the detection of the carbapenemase genes of Enterobacteriaceae. Primers were designed to amplify the following six carbapenemase genes: blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaOXA-48-like, and blaGES. Of 70 blaIMP variants, 67 subtypes were simulated to be PCR-positive based on in silico simulation and the primer-design strategy. After determining the optimal PCR conditions and performing in vitro assays, the performance of the PCR assay was evaluated using 51 and 91 clinical isolates with and without carbapenemase genes, respectively. In conclusion, the combination of multiplex PCR primers and QIAGEN Multiplex PCR Plus Kit was used to determine the best performance for the rapid and efficient screening of carbapenemase genes in Enterobacteriaceae. The assay had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This PCR assay compensates for the limitations of phenotypic testing, such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the modified carbapenem inactivation method, in clinical and public health settings.
Keywords: Carbanem resistant Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriaceae; carbapenemase genes; multiplex PCR.