Detection of common resistance genes of Gram-negative bacteria by DNA microarray assay

To design a DNA microarray for the detection of common resistance genes of Gram-negative bacteria, we collected 70 strains of Gram-negative bacilli (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii), and the primers and probes were designed and synthesized according to the known resistance genes to prepare the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarray for the detection of these resistance genes. Then, hybridization and subsequent scanning were performed. The results of DNA microarray assay were compared with results from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that the consistency rate was 100.00% in the detection of 8 resistance genes (TEM, SHV, CTX-M, DHA, CIT, VIM, KPC and OXA-23). PCR assay revealed the resistance gene IMP in 1 strain of P. aeruginosa, which was absent in the DNA microarray assay. The DNA microarray designed in the present study has clinical value in the detection of common resistance genes of Gram-negative bacteria.