title: Multiplex PCR for rapid detection of genes encoding class A carbapenemases.
abstract: In recent years, there have been increasing reports of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Korea. The modified Hodge test can be used as a phenotypic screening test for class A carbapenamase (CAC)-producing clinical isolates; however, it does not distinguish between carbapenemase types. The confirmation of type of CAC is important to ensure optimal therapy and to prevent transmission. This study applied a novel multiplex PCR assay to detect and differentiate CAC genes in a single reaction. Four primer pairs were designed to amplify fragments encoding 4 CAC families (SME, IMI/NMC-A, KPC, and GES). The multiplex PCR detected all genes tested for 4 CAC families that could be differentiated by fragment size according to gene type. This multiplex PCR offers a simple and useful approach for detecting and distinguishing CAC genes in carbapenem-resistant strains that are metallo-β-lactamase nonproducers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang Sook
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Kyeongmi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ji Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Huh
authors.forename: Bochan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Myung Seo
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Seong Geun
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hong
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000378:metabolism; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D007710:Klebsiella Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D017931:DNA Primers; D001618:beta-Lactamases; C063912:carbapenemase