Newsletter
December 2010
Superior detection of carbapenemases
Check-MDR CT102 detects Carbapenemases (NDM-1, VIM, IMP, OXA-48 and KPC) and ESBL (CTX-M, TEM and SHV) on one single microarray. With the Check-Points assay results can be obtained within one working day with high sensitivity and specificity for all species.
Carbapenemases likely underreported
According to a paper published in the November 18 issue of online journal Eurosurveillance, more than one out of three European countries are likely underreporting Carbapenemases. Rapid and accurate detection of carbapenemases remains essential to prevent their further spread.
Low carbapenem MIC reproducibility
Using VIM-1 isolates belonging to the same clone, Tato et al (2010) determined imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem MICs using an automated system and E-test. A low agreement between these methods and the reference method broth microdilution was found. However, even when the same inoculum was used, reproducing the MIC using E-test or broth microdilution was difficult. The authors conclude that "carbapenem MICs are not good markers of MBL [metallo-beta-lactamase] production".
Carbapenemases missed despite updated CLSI criteria
Endimiani et al (2010) compared the ability of various phenotypic methods in distinguishing between Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with ESBL and outer membrane porin loss (ESBL/Omp) and isolates with KPC (KPC-Kp). They found that "both the original and updated CLSI criteria do not adequately differentiate between isolates in the KPC-Kp Group, which are unlikely to respond to carbapenem therapy and those in the ESBL/Omp Group, which are likely to respond to carbapenem therapy".
High prevalence of multidrug resistance, yet no outbreak
A study by Vidal-Navarro et al (2010) conducted in a French university hospital revealed that carbapenemases and ESBL are highly prevalent in the gut flora even in a non-outbreak situation. Out of 303 patients, hospitalized for acute diarrhea, 15.8% of the gram negative bacteria carried ESBL while 5.9% carried a carbapenemase. Among the carbapenemases identified, IMP-1 and VIM-1 had previously not been found at the hospital.
Company news
Meet Check-Points at RICAI 2-3 December
Check-Points mentioned at European national expert meeting
NDM-1: A "super superbug"
Since 2008 77 cases of NDM-1 have been identified across 13 European countries. Spreading through international travel, NDM-1 makes bacteria highly resistant to antibiotics and leaves very limited treatment options.
Carbapenemases:
Further reading:
Nordmann P, Cuzon G, Naas T. The real threat of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Lancet Infect Dis. 2009 Apr; 9(4): 228-36. Read
Thomson KS. Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase, AmpC, and Carbapenemase issues. J Clin Microbiol. 2010 Apr;48(4):1019-25. Read