Assessment of a semi-automated enrichment system (Uroquattro HB&L) for detection of faecal carriers of ESBL-/AmpC-producing Enterobacterales

Abstract

Introduction: Early detection of patients carrying multiresistant bacteria is an effective implement in surveillance programs. Our objective was to compare the semi-automatic Uroquattro HB&L "ESBL/AmpC Screening" (Alifax®) system with the routine culture on selective media to detect ESBL/pAmpC-producing microorganisms (3CGRE).

Methods: A total of 201 rectal swabs samples were processed by inoculating them into the Uroquattro HB&L system, performing growth curve measurements at 6.5 and 10h, and into direct culture medium.

Results: Thirty-five samples yielded 3CGRE. Measurements at 10h incremented the positive 3GCRE detection 5.7% in comparison with routine culture medium. In negative rectal swabs, the overall percent agreement at 6.5h and 10h versus routine culture medium was 93% and 90%, respectively.

Conclusions: The Uroquattro HB&L system increased the detection of ESBL/pAmpC-producing bacteria compared to direct plating with an incubation time of 10h and shortens the time to report a negative sample.

Keywords: ESBL; Enrichment; Enriquecimiento; Resistencia a las cefalosporinas de tercera generación; Sistema Uro-Quick; Third generation cephalosporins resistance; Uro-Quick system; pAmpC.