Rapid Detection of the Commonly Encountered Carbapenemases (New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase, OXA-48/181) Directly from Various Clinical Samples using Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay

Background: Resistance due to New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) and OXA-48/181 continues to emerge as a threat which is associated with nosocomial outbreaks and is a serious healthcare concern. Phenotypic detection being laborious and time-consuming requires rapid detection of NDM and OXA-48/181, which is achieved through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: In this study, RT-PCR assay was developed to simultaneously detect NDM and OXA-48/181. The assay was validated on 102 non-duplicate, phenotypically characterised clinical samples. Results: The assay showed a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 100% for the detection of carbapenemases in comparison to conventional PCR. The in-house developed multiplex RT-PCR would help to rule-in the presence of NDM and OXA-48/181. Conclusions: Rapid detection of these carbapenemases would be assist in better patient management, in terms of accurate antimicrobial treatment, help in cohorting infected from uninfected patient to prevent spread.