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.