Evaluation of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae screening using CHROMagar mSuper CARBA

Abstract

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) bacteria are increasingly reported worldwide. Rapid detection methods for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates are necessary since information gained has an important value from clinical and infection control perspectives. A novel chromogenic medium, CHROMagar mSuper CARBA, was evaluated to detect CRE isolates. This study was assessed using 50 isolates with 28 isolates of genetically confirmed CPE (IMP, GES, NDM, KPC, SMB, VIM, OXA) and 22 isolates of non‐CPE (p-AmpC, extended spectrum β lactamase and others). It showed 100% sensitivity and 86.4% specificity for detection of CPE bacteria. The limit of detection ranged between 10¹ and 10³ CFU/mL except for three strains of IMP producers with low-carbapenem MICs. CHROMagar mSuper CARBA performed with high accuracy among the phenotypic methods applied and provided early results.