Detection of carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae: a challenge for diagnostic microbiological laboratories

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2014 Sep;20(9):839-53. doi: 10.1111/1469-0691.12678. Epub 2014 Jun 14.

Abstract

Carbapenemase-producing bacteria have now spread all over the world. Infections caused by those bacteria are difficult to treat. Therefore, there is an urgent need for accurate and fast detection of carbapenemases in diagnostic laboratories. In this review, we summarize screening methods for suspected isolates, direct assays for confirmation of carbapenemase activity (e.g. the Carba NP test and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry carbapenem hydrolysis assay), inhibitor-based methods for carbapenemase classification, and molecular-genetic techniques for precise identification of carbapenemase genes. We also propose a workflow for carbapenemase identification in diagnostic laboratories.

Keywords: Carba NP; Enterobacteriaceae; MALDI-TOF MS; carbapenemase; detection; β-Lactamase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / enzymology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods
  • beta-Lactamases / analysis*
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase