title: Evaluation of Remel Spectra CRE Agar for Detection of Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria from Rectal Swabs Obtained from Residents of a Long-Term-Care Facility.
abstract: We compared the Remel Spectra CRE agar plate to CDC standard methodology for the isolation of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) from 300 rectal swab specimens obtained from patients residing in a long-term-care facility (LTCF). Multiplex PCR experiments were performed on isolates to identify specific Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPC) and additional β-lactamases. Of the 300 patients, 72 (24%) harbored CRE and were PCR positive for KPC enzymes. The Remel Spectra CRE plates detected KPC-type CRE in isolates from 70 of 72 patients (97.2%), while the CDC method detected CRE in 56 of 72 (77.8%). CRE identification results were available in 18 h compared to 36 h for the CDC method. Remel Spectra CRE agar plates can provide useful means for a fast and reliable method for detecting KPC-type CRE and for accelerated institution of appropriate infection control precautions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, New York-Presbyterian Queens, New York, New York, USA vil9038@nyp.org.
authors.forename: Vincent J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: LaBombardi
authors.affiliation: The James J. Rahal, Jr., Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Queens, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Carl M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Urban
authors.affiliation: PHRI, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Barry N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Kreiswirth
authors.affiliation: PHRI, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, New York-Presbyterian Queens, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Osorio
authors.affiliation: The James J. Rahal, Jr., Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Queens, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kopacz
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, New York-Presbyterian Queens, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Labaze
authors.affiliation: The James J. Rahal, Jr., Division of Infectious Diseases, New York-Presbyterian Queens, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Sorana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Segal-Maurer
mesh_terms: D000362:Agar; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015780:Carbapenems / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012007:Rectum / Q000382:microbiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015780:Carbapenems; D003470:Culture Media; D000362:Agar; D001618:beta-Lactamases