Distribution of carbapenemase genes in clinical isolates of & a comparison of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry-based detection of carbapenemase production with other phenotypic methods.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) poses a continuous threat to the current antimicrobial era with its alarming spread in critical care settings. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of phenotypic methods for carbapenemase [carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs)] production, by comparing with molecular detection of genes.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty clinical CRAB isolates collected between August 2013 and January 2014 were studied. Multiplex PCR was performed to identify the carbapenemases produced (class D bla, bla, bla bla; class B bla, bla, bla; class A bla). Each isolate was evaluated for carbapenemase production by studying the pattern of imipenem hydrolysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

RESULTS

The most commonly encountered carbapenemase genes were bla(100%), bla(98%), bla(49.3%), bla(18.7%) and bla(2%). MALDI-TOF MS was able to detect 30.6 per cent carbapenemases within three hours (P=0.001 for MBL and P>0.05 for CHDL) and 65.3 per cent within six hours (P=0.001 for MBL and P>0.05 for CHDL).

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: MALDI-TOF MS reliably detected carbapenemase activity within a short span of time, thus helping in tailoring patient therapy. MALDI-TOF MS, once optimized, can prove to be a useful tool for timely detection of carbapenemase production by A. baumannii and consequently in directing appropriate antimicrobial therapy.