title: Detection systems for carbapenemase gene identification should include the SME serine carbapenemase.
abstract: Carbapenemase detection has become a major problem in hospitals that encounter outbreaks of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Rapid detection systems have been reported using multiplex PCR analyses and DNA microarray assays. Major carbapenemases that are detected by these systems include the KPC and OXA serine carbapenemases, and the IMP, VIM and NDM families of metallo-β-lactamases. However, increasing numbers of the SME serine carbapenemase are being reported from Serratia marcescens, especially from North and South America. These organisms differ from many of the other carbapenemase-producing pathogens in that they are generally susceptible to the expanded-spectrum cephalosporins ceftazidime and cefepime while retaining resistance to almost all other β-lactam antibiotics. Thus, multiplex PCR assays or DNA microarray testing of carbapenem-resistant S. marcescens isolates should include analyses for production of the SME carbapenemase. Confirmation of the presence of this enzyme may provide reassurance that oxyimino-cephalosporins can be considered for treatment of infections caused by these carbapenem-resistant pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. karbush@indiana.edu
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pannell
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lock
authors.forename: Anne Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Queenan
authors.forename: James H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
authors.forename: Ryan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Deidre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jarrett
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D009656:North America; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D016868:Serratia Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013020:South America; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001618:beta-Lactamases; C063912:carbapenemase