Analytical validation of a novel high multiplexing real-time PCR array for the identification of key pathogens causative of bacterial ventilator-associated pneumonia and their associated resistance genes. - Related Documents




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503901.0000Analytical validation of a novel high multiplexing real-time PCR array for the identification of key pathogens causative of bacterial ventilator-associated pneumonia and their associated resistance genes. OBJECTIVES: Rapid diagnosis and appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy before the availability of conventional microbiological results is of pivotal importance for the clinical outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We evaluated the VAPChip, a novel, closed cartridge molecular tool aiming to identify directly from clinical samples and within a working day the principal bacteria causative of VAP as well as clinically relevant β-lactam resistance genes. METHODS: The Real-time Array PCR for Infectious Diseases (RAP-ID) is a novel technology that combines multiplex PCR with real-time microarray detection. The VAPChip is a closed cartridge kit adapted to the RAP-ID instrument that targets 13 key respiratory pathogens causative of VAP and 24 relevant antimicrobial resistance genes that mediate resistance to β-lactam agents, including extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems. Analytical validation of the VAPChip was carried out blindly on a collection of 292 genotypically characterized bacterial reference and clinical isolates, including 225 isolates selected on the basis of their species identification and antimicrobial resistance profiles and 67 bacterial isolates belonging to the oropharyngeal flora not targeted by the array. RESULTS: The limit of detection of the assay lies between 10 and 100 genome copies/PCR and the dynamic range is five orders of magnitude permitting at least semi-quantitative reporting of the results. Sensitivity, specificity and negative and positive predictive values ranged from 95.8% to 100% for species identification and detection of resistance genes. CONCLUSIONS: VAPChip is a novel diagnostic tool able to identify resistant bacterial isolates by RAP-ID technology. The results of this analytical validation have to be confirmed on clinical specimens.201323065698
582710.9997Duplex dPCR System for Rapid Identification of Gram-Negative Pathogens in the Blood of Patients with Bloodstream Infection: A Culture-Independent Approach. Early and accurate detection of pathogens is important to improve clinical outcomes of bloodstream infections (BSI), especially in the case of drug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we aimed to develop a culture-independent digital PCR (dPCR) system for multiplex detection of major sepsiscausing gram-negative pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes using plasma DNA from BSI patients. Our duplex dPCR system successfully detected nine targets (five bacteria-specific targets and four antimicrobial resistance genes) through five reactions within 3 hours. The minimum detection limit was 50 ag of bacterial DNA, suggesting that 1 CFU/ml of bacteria in the blood can be detected. To validate the clinical applicability, cell-free DNA samples from febrile patients were tested with our system and confirmed high consistency with conventional blood culture. This system can support early identification of some drug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, which can help improving treatment outcomes of BSI.202134528911
582820.9997Target-enriched sequencing enables accurate identification of bloodstream infections in whole blood. Bloodstream infections are within the top ten causes of death globally, with a mortality rate of up to 70%. Gold standard blood culture testing is time-consuming, resulting in delayed, but accurate, treatment. Molecular methods, such as RT-qPCR, have limited targets in one run. We present a new Ampliseq detection system (ADS) combining target amplification and next-generation sequencing for accurate identification of bacteria, fungi, and antimicrobial resistance determinants directly from blood samples. In this study, we included removal of human genomic DNA during nucleic acid extraction, optimized the target sequence set and drug resistance genes, performed antimicrobial resistance profiling of clinical isolates, and evaluated mock specimens and clinical samples by ADS. ADS successfully identified pathogens at the species-level in 36 h, from nucleic acid extraction to results. Besides pathogen identification, ADS can also present drug resistance profiles. ADS enabled detection of all bacteria and accurate identification of 47 pathogens. In 20 spiked samples and 8 clinical specimens, ADS detected at least 92.81% of reads mapped to pathogens. ADS also showed consistency with the three culture-negative samples, and correctly identified pathogens in four of five culture-positive clinical blood specimens. This Ampliseq-based technology promises broad coverage and accurate pathogen identification, helping clinicians to accurately diagnose and treat bloodstream infections.202234915067
223030.9997Rapid detection of gram-negative antimicrobial resistance determinants directly from positive blood culture broths using a multiplex PCR system. Currently available rapid blood culture diagnostics detect few gram-negative resistance determinants, limiting their clinical utility. We prospectively evaluated the prototype BIOFIRE FILMARRAY Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Panel, a rapid multiplex PCR test that detects 31 AMR genes, on residual positive blood culture broths from patients with gram-negative bacteremia due to five target organisms at a New York City hospital. Predicted antimicrobial resistance based on the AMR Panel was compared to results from broth microdilution testing of bloodstream isolates recovered in culture. A simulated stewardship study assessed opportunities for the optimization of therapy if the AMR Panel results had been available for patient care in real time. We enrolled 148 patients with gram-negative bacteremia (Escherichia coli, n = 75; Klebsiella pneumoniae, n = 44; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, n = 17; Enterobacter cloacae complex, n = 9; and Acinetobacter baumannii, n = 3). The sensitivity of the AMR Panel for predicting antimicrobial resistance was ≥90% for 10/14 antimicrobial agents in E. coli and for 10/16 agents in K. pneumoniae. Specificity was ≥90% for 15/17 agents in E. coli and for all 16 agents in K. pneumoniae. Performance for other organisms was poor. For E. coli or K. pneumoniae bacteremia, use of the AMR Panel could have led to earlier escalation or de-escalation of β-lactam therapy in a majority of patients compared to what actually occurred. This study demonstrates that a rapid multiplex PCR test with a large menu of AMR genes can be applied to positive blood culture broths to rapidly predict resistance to frontline antimicrobial agents in patients with E. coli or K. pneumoniae bacteremia.IMPORTANCEPatients with gram-negative bacteremia require urgent treatment with antimicrobial agents that are effective against their infecting pathogen. However, conventional laboratory work-up of blood cultures takes days to yield results, and during this time, patients may receive ineffective therapies. We evaluated the prototype BIOFIRE FILMARRAY AMR Panel, an assay that detects 31 genes in gram-negative bacteria that confer resistance to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides in approximately 1 hour, directly from positive blood culture broths, and compared these results to antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates recovered in culture. We found that the AMR Panel accurately predicted resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to most antimicrobials. Moreover, if results from this assay had been used for patient care, there would have been opportunities to optimize antimicrobial prescribing more quickly than using conventional methods. These data demonstrate how novel molecular assays could optimize care for patients with E. coli and K. pneumoniae bacteremia.202541117625
222840.9997Accurate Detection of the Four Most Prevalent Carbapenemases in E. coli and K. pneumoniae by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. BACKGROUND: At present, phenotypic growth inhibition techniques are used in routine diagnostic microbiology to determine antimicrobial resistance of bacteria. Molecular techniques such as PCR are often used for confirmation but are indirect as they detect particular resistance genes. A direct technique would be able to detect the proteins of the resistance mechanism itself. In the present study targeted high resolution mass spectrometry assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of KPC, OXA-48-like, NDM, and VIM carbapenemases. METHODS: Carbapenemase specific target peptides were defined by comparing available sequences in GenBank. Selected peptide sequences were validated using 62 Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates containing: 16 KPC, 21 OXA-48-like, 16 NDM, 13 VIM genes, and 21 carbapenemase negative isolates. RESULTS: For each carbapenemase, two candidate peptides were validated. Method validation was performed in a blinded manner for all 83 isolates. All carbapenemases were detected. The majority was detected by both target peptides. All target peptides were 100% specific in the tested isolates and no peptide carry-over was detected. CONCLUSION: The applied targeted bottom-up mass spectrometry technique is able to accurately detect the four most prevalent carbapenemases in a single analysis.201931849899
579650.9997Antibiotic treatment algorithm development based on a microarray nucleic acid assay for rapid bacterial identification and resistance determination from positive blood cultures. Rapid diagnosis of bloodstream infections remains a challenge for the early targeting of an antibiotic therapy in sepsis patients. In recent studies, the reliability of the Nanosphere Verigene Gram-positive and Gram-negative blood culture (BC-GP and BC-GN) assays for the rapid identification of bacteria and resistance genes directly from positive BCs has been demonstrated. In this work, we have developed a model to define treatment recommendations by combining Verigene test results with knowledge on local antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens. The data of 275 positive BCs were analyzed. Two hundred sixty-three isolates (95.6%) were included in the Verigene assay panels, and 257 isolates (93.5%) were correctly identified. The agreement of the detection of resistance genes with subsequent phenotypic susceptibility testing was 100%. The hospital antibiogram was used to develop a treatment algorithm on the basis of Verigene results that may contribute to a faster patient management.201626712265
182360.9997Finding the Missing IMP Gene: Overcoming the Imipenemase IMP Gene Drop-Out in Automated Molecular Testing for Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria Circulating in Latin America. Carbapenem resistance is considered one of the greatest current threats to public health, particularly in the management of infections in clinical settings. Carbapenem resistance in bacteria is mainly due to mechanisms such as the production of carbapenemases (such as the imipenemase IMP, or other enzymes like VIM, NDM, and KPC), that can be detected by several laboratory tests, including immunochromatography and automated real-time PCR (qPCR). Methods: As part of local studies to monitor carbapenem-resistant bacteria in Costa Rica, two cases were initially identified with inconsistent IMP detection results. A possible gene drop-out in the automated qPCR test was suggested based on the negative result, contrasting with the positive result by immunochromatography and whole-genome sequencing. We hypothesized that molecular testing could be optimized through the development of tailored assays to improve the detection of IMP genes. Thus, using IMP gene sequences from the local isolates and regional sequences in databases, primers were redesigned to extend the detection of IMP alleles of regional relevance. Results: The tailored qPCR was applied to a local collection of 119 carbapenem-resistant isolates. The genomes of all 14 positive cases were sequenced, verifying the results of the custom qPCR, despite the negative results of the automated testing. Conclusions: Guided by whole-genome sequencing, it was possible to extend the molecular detection of IMP alleles circulating in Latin America using a tailored qPCR to overcome IMP gene drop-out and false-negative results in an automated qPCR.202540867967
577770.9997Rapid Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Critically Ill Children Using a Custom TaqMan Array Card. Bacteria are identified in only 22% of critically ill children with respiratory infections treated with antimicrobial therapy. Once an organism is isolated, antimicrobial susceptibility results (phenotypic testing) can take another day. A rapid diagnostic test identifying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes could help clinicians make earlier, informed antimicrobial decisions. Here we aimed to validate a custom AMR gene TaqMan Array Card (AMR-TAC) for the first time and assess its feasibility as a screening tool in critically ill children. An AMR-TAC was developed using a combination of commercial and bespoke targets capable of detecting 23 AMR genes. This was validated using isolates with known phenotypic resistance. The card was then tested on lower respiratory tract and faecal samples obtained from mechanically ventilated children in a single-centre observational study of respiratory infection. There were 82 children with samples available, with a median age of 1.2 years. Major comorbidity was present in 29 (35%) children. A bacterial respiratory pathogen was identified in 13/82 (16%) of children, of which 4/13 (31%) had phenotypic AMR. One AMR gene was detected in 49/82 (60%), and multiple AMR genes were detected in 14/82 (17%) children. Most AMR gene detections were not associated with the identification of phenotypic AMR. AMR genes are commonly detected in samples collected from mechanically ventilated children with suspected respiratory infections. AMR-TAC may have a role as an adjunct test in selected children in whom there is a high suspicion of antimicrobial treatment failure.202338136735
224780.9997Metagenomic identification of pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant genes in bacterial positive blood cultures by nanopore sequencing. Nanopore sequencing workflows have attracted increasing attention owing to their fast, real-time, and convenient portability. Positive blood culture samples were collected from patients with bacterial bloodstream infection and tested by nanopore sequencing. This study compared the sequencing results for pathogen taxonomic profiling and antimicrobial resistance genes to those of species identification and phenotypic drug susceptibility using traditional microbiology testing. A total of 37 bacterial positive blood culture results of strain genotyping by nanopore sequencing were consistent with those of mass spectrometry. Among them, one mixed infection of bacteria and fungi was identified using nanopore sequencing and confirmatory quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The amount of sequencing data was 21.89 ± 8.46 MB for species identification, and 1.0 MB microbial strain data enabled accurate determination. Data volumes greater than or equal to 94.6 MB nearly covered all the antimicrobial resistance genes of the bacteria in our study. In addition, the results of the antimicrobial resistance genes were compared with those of phenotypic drug susceptibility testing for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the nanopore sequencing platform for rapid identification of causing pathogens and relevant antimicrobial resistance genes complementary to conventional blood culture outcomes may optimize antimicrobial stewardship management for patients with bacterial bloodstream infection.202338192400
223390.9997Assessment of the multiplex PCR-based assay Unyvero pneumonia application for detection of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in children and neonates. BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a major healthcare problem. Rapid pathogen identification is critical, but often delayed due to the duration of culturing. Early, broad antibacterial therapy might lead to false-negative culture findings and eventually to the development of antibiotic resistances. We aimed to assess the accuracy of the new application Unyvero P50 based on multiplex PCR to detect bacterial pathogens in respiratory specimens from children and neonates. METHODS: In this prospective study, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, tracheal aspirates, or pleural fluids from neonates and children were analyzed by both traditional culture methods and Unyvero multiplex PCR. RESULTS: We analyzed specimens from 79 patients with a median age of 1.8 (range 0.01-20.1). Overall, Unyvero yielded a sensitivity of 73.1% and a specificity of 97.9% compared to culture methods. Best results were observed for non-fermenting bacteria, for which sensitivity of Unyvero was 90% and specificity 97.3%, while rates were lower for Gram-positive bacteria (46.2 and 93.9%, respectively). For resistance genes, we observed a concordance with antibiogram of 75% for those specimens in which there was a cultural correlate. CONCLUSIONS: Unyvero is a fast and easy-to-use tool that might provide additional information for clinical decision making, especially in neonates and in the setting of nosocomial pneumonia. Sensitivity of the PCR for Gram-positive bacteria and important resistance genes must be improved before this application can be widely recommended.201829086343
5040100.9997Rapid detection and differentiation of mobile colistin resistance (mcr-1 to mcr-10) genes by real-time PCR and melt-curve analysis. BACKGROUND: The emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) micro-organisms prompted new interest in older antibiotics, such as colistin, that had been abandoned previously due to limited efficacy or high toxicity. Over the years, several chromosomal-encoded colistin resistance mechanisms have been described; more recently, 10 plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes have been identified. Spread of these genes among MDR Gram-negative bacteria is a matter of serious concern; therefore, reliable and timely mcr detection is paramount. AIM: To design and validate a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection and differentiation of mcr genes. METHODS: All available mcr alleles were downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Reference Gene Catalogue, aligned with Clustal Omega and primers designed using Primer-BLAST. Real-time PCR monoplexes were optimized and validated using a panel of 120 characterized Gram-negative strains carrying a wide range of resistance genes, often in combination. Melt-curve analysis was used to confirm positive results. FINDINGS: In-silico analysis enabled the design of a 'screening' assay for detection of mcr-1/2/6, mcr-3, mcr-4, mcr-5, mcr-7, mcr-8 and mcr-9/10, paired with an internal control assay to discount inhibition. A 'supplementary' assay was subsequently designed to differentiate mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-6, mcr-9 and mcr-10. Expected results were obtained for all strains (100% sensitivity and specificity). Melt-curve analysis showed consistent melting temperature results. Inhibition was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The assay is rapid and easy to perform, enabling unequivocal mcr detection and differentiation even when more than one variant is present. Adoption by clinical and veterinary microbiology laboratories would aid the surveillance of mcr genes amongst Gram-negative bacteria.202133485969
2235110.9997Nanosphere's Verigene(®) Blood Culture Assay to Detect Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Outbreak: A Prospective Study on 79 Hematological Patients in a Country with High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance. Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hematological patients. We prospectively tested a new molecular assay (Verigene(®)) in 79 consecutive hematological patients, with sepsis by gram-negative bacteria. A total of 82 gram-negative microorganisms were isolated by blood cultures, of which 76 cases were mono-microbial. Considering the bacteria detectable by the system, the concordance with standard blood cultures was 100%. Resistance genes were detected in 20 of the isolates and 100% were concordant with the phenotypic antibiotic resistance. Overall, this new assay correctly identified 66/82 of all the gram-negative pathogens, yielding a general sensitivity of 80.5%, and providing information on genetic antibiotic resistance in a few hours. This new molecular assay could ameliorate patient management, resulting in a more rational use of antibiotics.201934595420
2249120.9997Tracking Multidrug Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria in Alexandria, Egypt (2020-2023): An Integrated Analysis of Patient Data and Diagnostic Tools. BACKGROUND: The rise in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in Egypt, particularly in hospital settings, poses a significant public health challenge. This study aims to develop a combined epidemiological surveillance tool utilizing the Microreact online platform (version 269) and molecular microarray technology to track and analyze carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli strains in Egypt. The objective is to integrate molecular diagnostics and real-time data visualization to better understand the spread and evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. METHODS: The study analyzed 43 E. coli isolates collected from Egyptian hospitals between 2020 and 2023. Nanopore sequencing and microarray analysis were used to identify carbapenemase genes and other resistance markers, whereas the VITEK2 system was employed for phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing. Microreact was used to visualize epidemiological data, mapping the geographic and temporal distribution of resistant strains. RESULTS: We found that 72.09% of the isolates, predominantly from pediatric patients, carried the blaNDM-5 gene, while other carbapenemase genes, including blaOXA-48 and blaVIM, were also detected. The microarray method demonstrated 92.9% diagnostic sensitivity and 87.7% diagnostic specificity compared to whole-genome sequencing. Phenotypic resistance correlated strongly with next-generation sequencing (NGS) genotypic data, achieving 95.6% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: This method establishes the utility of combining microarray technology, NGS and real-time data visualization for the surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, especially E. coli. The high concordance between genotypic and phenotypic data underscores the potential of DNA microarrays as a cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing, especially in resource-limited settings. This integrated approach can enhance public health responses to MDR bacteria in Egypt.202439766575
5042130.9997Multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (multi-LAMP) assay for rapid detection of mcr-1 to mcr-5 in colistin-resistant bacteria. Purpose: The discovery of the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes, mcr, revealed a mechanism of transmission of colistin resistance, which is a major, global public health concern especially among individuals infected with carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. To monitor the spread and epidemiology of mcr genes, a convenient and reliable method to detect mcr genes in clinical isolates is needed, especially in the primary care institutions. This study aimed to establish a restriction endonuclease-based multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (multi-LAMP) assay to detect mcr genes (mcr-1 to mcr-5) harbored by colistin-resistant bacteria. Methods: A triple-LAMP assay for mcr-1, mcr-3, and mcr-4 and a double-LAMP assay for mcr-2 and mcr-5 were established. The sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP reactions were determined via electrophoresis and visual detection. Results: The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was 10-fold greater than that of PCR, with high specificity among the screened primers. Specific mcr genes were distinguished in accordance with band numbers and the fragment length of the digested LAMP amplification products. Furthermore, the LAMP assay was confirmed as a rapid and reliable diagnostic technique upon application for clinical samples, and the results were consistent with those of conventional PCR assay. Conclusion: The multi-LAMP assay is a potentially promising method to detect mcr genes and will, if implemented, help prevent infections by drug-resistant bacteria in primary-care hospitals due to rapid and reliable surveillance. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the application of LAMP to detect mcr-2 to mcr-5 genes and the first time that multi-LAMP has been applied to detect mcr genes.201931308708
5694140.9996Multiplex characterization of human pathogens including species and antibiotic-resistance gene identification. The efficient medical treatment of infections requires detailed information about the pathogens involved and potential antibiotic-resistance mechanisms. The dramatically increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria especially highlights the importance of sophisticated diagnostic tests enabling a fast patient-customized therapy. However, the current molecular detection methods are limited to either the detection of species or only a few antibiotic-resistance genes.In this work, we present a human pathogen characterization assay using a rRNA gene microarray identifying 75 species comprising bacteria and fungi. A statistical classifier was developed to facilitate the automated species identification. Additionally, the clinically most important β-lactamases were identified simultaneously in a 100-plex reaction using padlock probes and the same microarray. The specificity and sensitivity of the combined assay was determined using clinical isolates. The detection limit was 10(5) c.f.u. ml(-1), recovering 89 % of the detectable β-lactamase-encoding genes specifically. The total assay time was less than 7 hand the modular character of the antibiotic-resistance detection allows the easy integration of further genetic targets. In summary, we present a fast, highly specific and sensitive multiplex pathogen characterization assay.201626489938
5041150.9996Development and Validation of a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-Compliant Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of mcr Genes. Increased use of colistin in both human and veterinary medicine has led to the emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr genes). In this study, we report the development of a real-time PCR assay using TaqMan probe-based chemistry for detection of mcr genes from bacterial isolates. Positive control isolates harboring mcr-1 and mcr-2 yielded exponential amplification curves with the assay, and the amplification efficiency was 98% and 96% for mcr-1 and mcr-2, respectively. Each target gene could be reproducibly detected from a sample containing 10(3) cfu/mL of mcr-harboring bacteria, and there was no cross-reactivity with DNA extracted from several multidrug-resistant bacteria harboring other resistance genes, but lacking mcr genes. Both sensitivity and specificity of the mcr real-time PCR assay were 100% in a method validation performed with a set of 25 previously well-characterized bacterial isolates containing mcr-positive and -negative bacteria. This newly developed assay is a rapid and sensitive tool for detecting emerging mcr genes in cultured bacterial isolates. The assay was successfully validated according to quality standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).201930942652
2225160.9996Evaluation of the DNA microarray "AMR Direct Flow Chip Kit" for detection of antimicrobial resistance genes from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolated colonies. INTRODUCTION: The AMR Direct Flow Chip assay allows the simultaneous detection of a large variety of antibiotic resistance genetic markers. To assess this kit's performance, we use isolated colonies as starting material. The assay has been approved by the European Economic Area as a suitable device for in vitro diagnosis (CE IVD) using clinical specimens. METHODS: A total of 210 bacterial isolates harbouring either one or more antimicrobial resistance genes including plasmid-encoded extended-spectrum β-lactamases (SHV, CTX-M) and carbapenemases (GES, SME, KPC, NMC/IMI, SIM, GIM, SPM, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA), mecA, vanA and vanB, and 30 controls were included. RESULTS: The assay displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for all target genes included in the array. CONCLUSION: The AMR Direct Flow Chip Kit is an accurate assay for detecting genes which commonly confer resistance to β-lactams and vancomycin from isolated colonies in culture of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.201930857832
1822170.9996Carriage of two carbapenem-resistance genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from hospital-acquired infections in children from Costa Rica: the importance of local epidemiology. BACKGROUND: The assessment of Hospital-acquired infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria involves the use of a variety of commercial and laboratory-developed tests to detect antimicrobial resistance genes in bacterial pathogens; however, few are evaluated for use in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We used whole-genome sequencing, rapid commercial molecular tests, laboratory-developed tests and routine culture testing. RESULTS: We identified the carriage of the metallo-β-lactamase bla(VIM-2) and bla(IMP-18) alleles in Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections among children in Costa Rica. CONCLUSIONS: The bla(IMP-18) allele is not present in the most frequently used commercial tests; thus, it is possible that the circulation of this resistance gene may be underdiagnosed in Costa Rica.202133910633
1824180.9996Subtype Screening of bla(IMP) Genes Using Bipartite Primers for DNA Sequencing. Genes conferring carbapenem resistance have spread worldwide among gram-negative bacteria. Subtyping of these genes has epidemiological value due to the global cross-border movement of people. Subtyping of bla(IMP) genes that frequently detected in Japan appears to be important in public health settings; however, there are few useful tools for this purpose. We developed a subtyping screening tool based on PCR direct sequencing, which targets the internal sequences of almost all bla(IMP) genes. The tool used bipartite multiplex primers with M13 universal sequences at the 5'-end. According to in silico analysis, among the 78 known IMP-type genes, except for bla(IMP-81), 77 detected genes were estimated to be differentiated. In vitro evaluation indicated that sequences of amplicons of IMP-1, IMP-6, IMP-7, and IMP-20 templates were identical to their respective subtypes. Even if the amplicons were small or undetectable through the first PCR, sufficient amplicons for DNA sequencing were obtained through a second PCR using the M13 universal primers. In conclusion, our tool can be possibly used for subtype screening of bla(IMP), which is useful for the surveillance of bacteria with bla(IMP) in clinical and public health settings or environmental fields.202133790070
5089190.9996A TaqMan-based multiplex real-time PCR assay for the rapid detection of tigecycline resistance genes from bacteria, faeces and environmental samples. BACKGROUND: Tigecycline is a last-resort antibiotic used to treat severe infections caused by extensively drug-resistant bacteria. Recently, novel tigecycline resistance genes tet(X3) and tet(X4) have been reported, which pose a great challenge to human health and food security. The current study aimed to establish a TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay for the rapid detection of the tigecycline-resistant genes tet(X3) and tet(X4). RESULTS: No false-positive result was found, and the results of the TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay showed 100% concordance with the results of the sequencing analyses. This proposed method can detect the two genes at the level of 1 × 10(2) copies/μL, and the whole process is completed within an hour, allowing rapid screening of tet(X3) and tet(X4) genes in cultured bacteria, faeces, and soil samples. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the TaqMan-based real-time PCR method established in this study is rapid, sensitive, specific, and is capable of detecting the two genes not only in bacteria, but also in environmental samples.202032571294