Rapid identification of bacteria, mecA and van genes from blood cultures. - Related Documents




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579801.0000Rapid identification of bacteria, mecA and van genes from blood cultures. The Genotype technology, a quick molecular genetic assay based on DNA multiplex amplification with biotinylated primers followed by hybridization to membrane bound probes, complies with the requirements for a fast diagnosis of sepsis. We evaluated the new Genotype BC Gram-negative and Gram-positive test kits (Hain Life Science, Germany) which respectively allow for the identification of 15 species of Gram-negative (GN) rods, and the identification of 17 Gram-positive (GP) bacteria species together with the determination of methicillin and vancomycin resistance (mecA and van genes). The study was performed on 60 positive blood cultures from BacT/ALERT bottles (aerobic, anaerobic and pediatric bottles). First, a Gram stain was carried out to select between Genotype BC GP or GN test, then identification were performed by the Genotype BC tests and by biochemical conventional tests after subculture and phenotypic susceptibility determination. The operating procedure was very easy to carry out and required a small amount of starting material (5 to 10 microL of blood culture). The results were available within 4.5 hours. For all the blood cultures, the Genotype BC results correlated with the biochemical identification and phenotypic antibiotics susceptibility. According to our results, this DNA strip technology based assay can easily be incorporated into routine diagnosis.200717913394
579710.9998PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay for screening and identification of pathogens in sepsis. Rapid and accurate identification of the pathogens involved in bloodstream infections is crucial for the prompt initiation of appropriate therapy, as this can decrease morbidity and mortality rates. A PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay for sepsis, the reverse blot hybridization assay (REBA) Sepsis-ID test, was developed; it uses pan-probes to distinguish Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and fungi. In addition, the assay was designed to identify bacteria and fungi using six genus-specific and 13 species-specific probes; it uses additional probes for antibiotic resistance genes, i.e., the mecA gene of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the vanA and vanB genes of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The REBA Sepsis-ID test successfully identified clinical isolates and blood culture samples as containing Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, or fungi. The results matched those obtained with conventional microbiological methods. For the REBA Sepsis-ID test, of the 115 blood culture samples tested, 47 (40.8%) and 49 (42.6%) samples were identified to the species and genus levels, respectively, and the remaining 19 samples (16.5%), which included five Gram-positive rods, were identified as Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, or fungi. The antibiotic resistances of the MRSA and VRE strains were identified using both conventional microbiological methods and the REBA Sepsis-ID test. In conclusion, the REBA Sepsis-ID test developed for this study is a fast and reliable test for the identification of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and antibiotic resistance genes (including mecA for MRSA and the vanA and vanB genes for VRE) in bloodstream infections.201323447637
579520.9997Direct identification of Gram-positive bacteria and resistance determinants from blood cultures using a microarray-based nucleic acid assay: in-depth analysis of microarray data for undetermined results. BACKGROUND: The Verigene Gram-Positive Blood Culture (BC-GP) nucleic acid assay (Nanosphere, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA) is a newly developed microarray-based test with which 12 Gram-positive bacterial genes and three resistance determinants can be detected using blood culture broths. We evaluated the performance of this assay and investigated the signal characteristics of the microarray images. METHODS: At the evaluation stage, we tested 80 blood cultures that were positive for various bacteria (68 bacteria covered and 12 not covered by the BC-GP panel) collected from the blood of 36 patients and 44 spiked samples. In instances where the automated system failed and errors were called, we manually inspected microarray images, measured the signal intensities of target spots, and reclassified the results. RESULTS: With the manual analysis of the microarray images of 14 samples for which error calls were reported, we could obtain correct identification results for 12 samples without the need for retesting, because strong signals in the target spots were clearly discriminable from background noise. With our interpretation strategy, we could obtain 97.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity for bacterial identification by using the BC-GP assay. The two unidentified bacteria were viridans group streptococci, which produced weaker target signals. During the application stage, among 25 consecutive samples positive for Gram-positive bacteria, we identified two specimens with error calls as Streptococcus spp. by using manual analysis. CONCLUSIONS: With help of the manual review of the microarray images, the BC-GP assay could successfully identify species and resistance markers for many clinically important Gram-positive bacteria.201525536666
583330.9996Rapid identification, virulence analysis and resistance profiling of Staphylococcus aureus by gene segment-based DNA microarrays: application to blood culture post-processing. Up to now, blood culturing systems are the method of choice to diagnose bacteremia. However, definitive pathogen identification from positive blood cultures is a time-consuming procedure, requiring subculture and biochemical analysis. We developed a microarray for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus comprising PCR generated gene-segments, which can reduce the blood culture post-processing time to a single day. Moreover, it allows concomitant identification of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance determinants directly from positive blood cultures without previous amplification by PCR. The assay unambiguously identifies most of the important virulence genes such as tsst-1, sea, seb, eta and antibiotic resistance genes such as mecA, aacA-aphD, blaZ and ermA. To obtain positive signals, 20 ng of purified genomic S. aureus DNA or 2 microg of total DNA extracted from blood culture was required. The microarray specifically distinguished S. aureus from gram-negative bacteria as well as from closely related coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS). The microarray-based identification of S. aureus can be accomplished on the same day blood cultures become positive in the Bactec. The results of our study demonstrate the feasibility of microarray-based systems for the direct identification and characterization of bacteria from cultured clinical specimens.200717141897
579640.9996Antibiotic 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
223550.9996Nanosphere'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
148660.9996Multicenter evaluation of the Verigene Gram-negative blood culture nucleic acid test for rapid detection of bacteria and resistance determinants in positive blood cultures. The Verigene Gram-Negative Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test (BC-GN) is a microarray-based assay that enables rapid detection of 9 common Gram-negative bacteria and 6 resistance determinants directly from positive blood cultures. We compared the performance of BC-GN with currently used automated systems, testing 141 clinical blood cultures and 205 spiked blood cultures. For identification of BC-GN target organisms in clinical and spiked blood cultures, the BC-GN assay showed 98.5% (130/132) and 98.9% (182/184) concordance, respectively. Of 140 resistance genes positively detected in clinical and spiked blood cultures with the BC-GN test, 139 (99.3%) were confirmed by PCR, and the detection results were consistent with the resistance phenotypes observed. The BC-GN assay, thus, can potentially improve care for sepsis patients by enabling timely detection and targeted antimicrobial therapy.201526361710
223670.9996Development of a Multiplex PCR Platform for the Rapid Detection of Bacteria, Antibiotic Resistance, and Candida in Human Blood Samples. The diagnosis of bloodstream infections (BSIs) still relies on blood culture (BC), but low turnaround times may hinder the early initiation of an appropriate antimicrobial therapy, thus increasing the risk of infection-related death. We describe a direct and rapid multiplex PCR-based assay capable of detecting and identifying 16 bacterial and four Candida species, as well as three antibiotic-resistance determinants, in uncultured samples. Using whole-blood samples spiked with microorganisms at low densities, we found that the MicrobScan assay had a mean limit of detection of 15.1 ± 3.3 CFU of bacteria/Candida per ml of blood. When applied to positive BC samples, the assay allowed the sensitive and specific detection of BSI pathogens, including bla(KPC)-, mecA-, or vanA/vanB-positive bacteria. We evaluated the assay using prospectively collected blood samples from patients with suspected BSI. The sensitivity and specificity were 86.4 and 97.0%, respectively, among patients with positive BCs for the microorganisms targeted by the assay or patients fulfilling the criteria for infection. The mean times to positive or negative assay results were 5.3 ± 0.2 and 5.1 ± 0.1 h, respectively. Fifteen of 20 patients with MicrobScan assay-positive/BC-negative samples were receiving antimicrobial therapy. In conclusion, the MicrobScan assay is well suited to complement current diagnostic methods for BSIs.201931799215
224080.9996Evaluation of multiplex tandem PCR (MT-PCR) assays for the detection of bacterial resistance genes among Enterobacteriaceae in clinical urines. BACKGROUND: Increasing resistance drives empirical use of less potent and previously reserved antibiotics, including for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Molecular profiling, without culture, might better guide early therapy. OBJECTIVES: To explore the potential of AusDiagnostics multiplex tandem (MT) PCR UTI assays. METHODS: Two MT-PCR assays were developed successively, seeking 8 or 16 resistance genes. Amplification was tracked in real time, with melting temperatures used to confirm product identity. Assays were variously performed on: (i) extracted DNA; (ii) cultured bacteria; (iii) urine spiked with reference strains; and (iv) bacteria harvested from clinical urines. Results were compared with those from sequencing, real-time SybrGreen PCR or phenotypic susceptibility. RESULTS: Performance was similar irrespective of whether DNA, cultures or urines were used, with >90% sensitivity and specificity with respect to common β-lactamases, dfr genes and aminoglycoside resistance determinants except aadA1/A2/A3, for which carriage correlated poorly with streptomycin resistance. Fluoroquinolone-susceptible and -resistant Escherichia coli (but not other species) were distinguished by the melting temperatures of their gyrA PCR products. The time from urine to results was <3 h. CONCLUSIONS: The MT-PCR assays rapidly identified resistance genes from Gram-negative bacteria in urines as well as from cultivated bacteria. Used directly on urines, this assay has the potential to guide early therapy.201930476137
223190.9996Detection of the common resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria using gene chip technology. OBJECTIVE: To design a resistance gene detection chip that could, in parallel, detect common clinical drug resistance genes of Gram-negative bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy clinically significant Gram-negative bacilli (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii) were collected. According to the known resistance gene sequences, we designed and synthesized primers and probes, which were used to prepare resistance gene detection chips, and finally we hybridized and scanned the gene detection chips. RESULTS: The results between the gene chip and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were compared. The rate was consistently 100% in the eight kinds of resistance genes tested (TEM, SHV, CTX-M, DHA, CIT, VIM, KPC, OXA-23). One strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the IMP, but it was not found by gene chip. CONCLUSION: The design of Gram-negative bacteria-resistant gene detection chip had better application value.201323867670
2234100.9995Clinical relevance of molecular identification of microorganisms and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in bloodstream infections of paediatric cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are the major cause of mortality in cancer patients. Molecular techniques are used for rapid diagnosis of BSI, allowing early therapy and improving survival. We aimed to establish whether real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) could improve early diagnosis and therapy in paediatric cancer patients, and describe the predominant pathogens of BSI and their antimicrobial susceptibility. METHODS: Blood samples were processed by the BACTEC system and microbial identification and susceptibility tests were performed by the Phoenix system. All samples were screened by multiplex 16 s rDNA qPCR. Seventeen species were evaluated using sex-specific TaqMan probes and resistance genes blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX, blaKPC, blaIMP, blaSPM, blaVIM, vanA, vanB and mecA were screened by SYBR Green reactions. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated at the time of positive blood culture and at final phenotypic identification and antimicrobial susceptibility results. RESULTS: We analyzed 69 episodes of BSI from 64 patients. Gram-positive bacteria were identified in 61 % of the samples, Gram-negative bacteria in 32 % and fungi in 7 %. There was 78.2 % of agreement between the phenotypic and molecular methods in final species identification. The mecA gene was detected in 81.4 % of Staphylococcus spp., and 91.6 % were concordant with the phenotypic method. Detection of vanA gene was 100 % concordant. The concordance for Gram-negative susceptibilities was 71.4 % for Enterobacteriaceae and 50 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therapy was more frequently inadequate in patients who died, and the molecular test was concordant with the phenotypic susceptibility test in 50 %. CONCLUSIONS: qPCR has potential indication for early identification of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes from BSI in paediatric cancer patients and may improve antimicrobial therapy.201627585633
2225110.9995Evaluation 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
2233120.9995Assessment 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
1484130.9995Use of a commercial PCR-based line blot method for identification of bacterial pathogens and the mecA and van genes from BacTAlert blood culture bottles. In this study, the PCR-based DNA strip assay GenoType BC for the identification of bacteria and the resistance genes mecA, vanA, vanB, vanC1, and vanC2/3 directly from positive BacTAlert blood culture bottles was evaluated in a multicenter study. Of a total of 511 positive blood cultures, correct identification percentages for Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and the mecA gene were 96.1%, 89.9%, and 92.9%, respectively. Results were available 4 h after growth detection.201222075585
2237140.9995Evaluation of Sepsis Flow Chip for identification of Gram-negative bacilli and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes directly from positive blood cultures. Blood stream infections are serious conditions associated with high morbi-mortality. In this study, the new Sepsis Flow Chip (SFC) assay for identification of Gram-negative bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance genes was evaluated in positive blood cultures (BCs). SFC is a microarray with a broad panel comprising the most frequent causative agents of sepsis and antimicrobial resistance genes associated with them. A total of 100 prospective BCs, positive for Gram-negative bacilli, were assessed in the routine of the clinical microbiology laboratory and also applying the SFC assay. Moreover, 19 BCs spiked with well-characterized enterobacterial isolates, harboring antimicrobial resistance genes, were analyzed by the latter. Among the monomicrobial BCs (90), the concordance between SFC identification and the reference method was 94.4%; however, it achieved 100% when SFC was combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry after 4-h incubation. Regarding polymicrobial BCs (10), 15 out of the 22 bacteria present (68.2%) were correctly identified, including all contained in 50% of the cultures. With regard to antimicrobial resistance genes, 98.8%, 98.9%, and 99% concordance was obtained for bla(CTX-M), bla(OXA-48), and bla(VIM), respectively, in comparison with polymerase chain reaction amplification. SFC assay gives results in only 4 h and showed a high concordance rate with the reference method. Although further evaluation studies are necessary, SFC assay implementation, together with antimicrobial stewardship programs, could contribute to improve the therapeutic approaches and to reduce the morbi-mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare-associated costs in patients with sepsis.201829551362
5779150.9995Development of a One-Step Multiplex qPCR Assay for Detection of Methicillin and Vancomycin Drug Resistance Genes in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. The most common antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Korea are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Pathogen identification in clinical laboratories can be divided into traditional phenotype- and genotype-based methods, both of which are complementary to each other. The genotype-based method using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a rapid and accurate technique that analyzes material at the genetic level by targeting genes simultaneously. Accordingly, we aimed to develop a rapid method for studying the genetic characteristics of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and to provide an experimental guide for the efficient antibiotic resistance gene analysis of mecA detection for MRSA and vanA or vanB detection for VRE using a one-step multiplex qPCR assay at an early stage of infection. As a result, the sensitivity and specificity of the mecA gene for clinical S. aureus isolates, including MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, were 97.44% (95% CI, 86.82-99.87%) and 96.15% (95% CI, 87.02-99.32%), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve for the diagnosis of MRSA was 0.9798 (*** p < 0.0001). Therefore, the molecular diagnostic method using this newly developed one-step multiplex qPCR assay can provide accurate and rapid results for the treatment of patients with MRSA and VRE infections.202439452724
2226160.9995Evaluation of the Microbiological Performance and Potential Clinical Impact of New Rapid Molecular Assays for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections. Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a critical medical emergency associated with a high mortality rate. Rapid and accurate identification of the causative pathogen and the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing are crucial for initiating appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a new rapid PCR Molecular Mouse System (MMS) for the identification of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and GNB resistance genes directly from a positive blood culture (BC). The validation of these rapid multiplex assays was carried out in a real hospital setting. A total of 80 BSI episodes were included in our study and the results were compared with culture-based methods. BC samples in which GNB had previously been detected microscopically and which originated from different hospital wards were analysed. The MMS GNB identification assay achieved a sensitivity of 98.7% and a specificity of 100% for the covered pathogens. In one BC sample, Klebsiella aerogenes was identified at the family level (Enterobacteriaceae) with MMS. However, in three polymicrobial samples, MMS identified bacteria that were not detected by culture-based methods (Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. aerogenes and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia). MMS also showed excellent overall performance in the detection of GNB resistance markers (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity). The type of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance gene identified correctly with MMS was CTX-M-1/9 (n = 17/20), alone or in combination with SHV-type β-lactamase or with the different types of carbapenemase genes. MMS detected one carbapenemase gene of each type (KPC, NDM and OXA-23) and six OXA-48 genes. In addition, the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 was detected in one positive BC with Escherichia coli (E. coli). The time to result was significantly shorter for MMS than for routine culture methods. A retrospective analysis of the patients' medical records revealed that a change in empirical antimicrobial therapy would have been made in around half of the patients following the MMS results. These results support the use of MMS as a valuable complement to conventional culture methods for more rapid BSI diagnosis and adjustment of empirical therapy.202540142509
5778170.9995A Simple and Rapid Low-Cost Procedure for Detection of Vancomycin-Resistance Genes in Enterococci Reveals an Outbreak of Vancomycin-Variable Enterococcus faecium. The detection of resistance to vancomycin in enterococci cultured from patients is important for the treatment of individual patients and for the prevention of hospital transmission. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance tests may fail to detect potential vancomycin-resistant enterococci. We have developed and tested a PCR based procedure for routine screening for vancomycin-resistance genes in clinical samples with enterococci. Primary cultures from diagnostic samples reported with growth of Enterococcus faecium or E. facalis were tested for vanA and vanB genes by real-time PCR without the isolation of specific bacteria. Up to ten samples were pooled and tested in each real-time PCR reaction, with subsequent individual testing of cultures from positive pools. In a one-month test period in 2017 vanA gene was detected in one out of 340 urine samples with vancomycin-susceptible enterococci reported from diagnostic culture. A second test period in 2018 included 357 urine samples, and vanA gene was detected in samples from eight patients. Subsequently, all urine samples reported with growth of E. faecium during a period of one year were tested. Fifty-eight individuals were identified with enterococci, carrying the vanA gene not previously detected. Routine molecular testing of primary culture material from patient samples may improve the detection of hospitalized patients carrying E. faecium with resistance genes to vancomycin.202236140520
1483180.9995Clinical Evaluation of the iCubate iC-GPC Assay for Detection of Gram-Positive Bacteria and Resistance Markers from Positive Blood Cultures. The iC-GPC Assay (iCubate, Huntsville, AL) is a qualitative multiplex test for the detection of five of the most common Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium) responsible for bacterial bloodstream infections, performed directly from positive blood cultures. The assay also detects the presence of the mecA, vanA, and vanB resistance determinants. This study comparatively evaluated the performance of the iC-GPC Assay against the Verigene Gram-positive blood culture (BC-GP) assay (Luminex Corp., Austin, TX) for 1,134 patient blood culture specimens positive for Gram-positive cocci. The iC-GPC Assay had an overall percent agreement with the BC-GP assay of 95.5%. Discordant specimens were further analyzed by PCR and a bidirectional sequencing method. The results indicate that the iC-GPC Assay together with the iCubate system is an accurate and reliable tool for the detection of the five most common Gram-positive bacteria and their resistance markers responsible for bloodstream infections.201829899000
5041190.9995Development 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