Sensitive EDTA-based microbiological assays for detection of metallo-{beta}-lactamases in nonfermentative gram-negative bacteria.

ABSTRACT: The worldwide spread of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing gram-negative bacilli represents a great concern nowadays. Sensitive assays for their specific detection are increasingly demanded to aid infection control and to prevent their dissemination. We have developed a novel microbiological assay employing crude bacterial extracts, designated EDTA-imipenem microbiological assay (EIM), to identify MBLs in nonfermentative gram-negative clinical strains. We also evaluated the ability of EIM to detect MBLs in comparison to those of other currently employed screening methods, such as the EDTA disk synergy test (EDS) with imipenem as a substrate and the Etest method. The sensitivities of EIM and Etest were similar (1 versus 0.92, respectively) and much higher than that of EDS (0.67). Moreov

SUBMITTER: Marchiaro P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1287843 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature