Performance
Worldwide reports of resistance to carbapenems found in Enterobacteriacae are a major health concern, specially in the case where the reducing susceptibility mechanism is the production of enzymes like KPC, OXA or MBL (ex: the recently reported NDM-1).
Carbapenems are the last resort in treating many serious gram-negative infections. However, production of these enzymes results in resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins (i.e., cefepime, ceftriaxone), carbapenems (i.e., meropenem, ertapenem), and aztreonam, thereby making these pathogens truly multidrug-resistant and making their treatment very challenging.
« KPC-producing bacteria have demonstrated a remarkable ability to disseminate with interfacility, interstate, and international transmission having been documented. » CDC 2008-R-24.
Thus, in order to limit the spread of these serious pathogens, rapid detection, followed by implementation of adequate infection control methods, is essential.
Application :
CHROMagar™ KPC is a selective and differential chromogenic culture medium, intended for use in the qualitative direct detection of gastrointestinal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteria (CRE) to aid in the prevention and control of CRE in healthcare settings. The test is performed with rectal swab and stools from patients to screen for CRE colonization. Results can be interpreted after 18-24 h of aerobic incubation at 35-37 °C.