Performance of Rapidec Carba Np Test in Detection of Carbapenemase Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the performance of Rapidec carba NP test in the reliable detection of carbapeneme resistance in Gram negative bacteria. Methods: This study was performed at the Microbiology unit, Clinical Pathology Department at Benha University Hospital. A total of 60 stored isolates were included in the study. These isolates were Gram negative bacilli and were characterized phenotypically and genotypically for the presence of carbapenemases. Fifty isolates were confirmed to be carbapenemase + ve and they were used as study group. Ten isolates were confirmed to be carbapenemase -ve and were used as negative control. Rapidec carba NP test was applied according to manufacturer , s instructions and results were read after 30 and 120 minutes of incubation. Results: Ready-to-use Rapidec carba NP gave 100% sensitivity, specificity positive predictive value and negative predictive value when manufacturer ' s instructions were followed. This was in accordance with PCR results. Rapid detection of carbapenemases genes is of great importance, since these MDR organisms have the potential to spread rapidly in hospital environments and cause nosocomial infections with high mortality rates. Molecular methods for detection of carbapenem resistance are the gold standard, however they are expensive, time consuming and require specialized equipment and experience. Conclusion: Rapidec carba NP test is rapid, easy to perform and interpret, relatively inexpensive and present a practical solution for rapid detection of carbapenem resistant gram negative bacteria.