Abstract
The rise in carbapenemases-producing organisms has challenged the scientific community.
Infections caused by these bacteria have limited treatment options. There are various
types such as Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (Ambler class A), metallo-beta-lactamases of VIM-type, IMP-type, NDM-type
(Ambler class B), and OXA-48-types (Ambler class D). An efficient strategy for detection
of carbapenemase producers is important to determine the appropriate therapeutic modalities.
In this study, four methods - Carba NP test, modified Carba NP (MCNP) test, carbapenem
inactivation method (CIM) test, and Rapidec Carba NP kit test were evaluated. We evaluated
an in-house MCNP test to detect carbapenemase production using a single protocol which
gave reliable results. Furthermore, CIM using routine antibiotic discs gives good
results. Both these tests were found to be cost-effective.
Key words
Carbapenemases -
Enterobacteriaceae
- imipenem