[Detection methods and changes in metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative rod isolates at Nagasaki University

Yoichi Hirakata1, Katsunori Yanagihara, Junichi Matsuda

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Insights

Rapid detection of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Gram-negative rods is crucial. Broth microdilution with sodium mercaptoacetate (SMA) in frozen plates effectively identifies these multidrug-resistant bacteria in routine testing.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Context:

  • Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Gram-negative rods (GNRs) have emerged globally since the initial report of plasmid-mediated MBL-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Japan.
  • These MBL-producing GNRs are increasingly found in diverse bacterial species, including glucose non-fermenting GNRs and Enterobacteriaceae.
  • Most MBL-producing bacteria exhibit multidrug resistance, posing significant challenges for treatment and infection control.

Purpose:

  • To develop and evaluate a method for detecting MBL-producing GNRs in routine laboratory examinations.
  • To compare the efficacy of broth microdilution with sodium mercaptoacetate (SMA) in frozen plates against other methods, including dipicolinic acid (DPA) in dry plates and PCR.

Summary:

  • Broth microdilution using SMA at 400 µg/mL in frozen plates demonstrated high performance in detecting MBL-producing GNRs.
  • A combined simple DNA preparation and enzymatic PCR product detection method is suitable for identifying IMP-type MBL-producing GNRs.
  • Dipicolinic acid (DPA) in dry plates showed a high false-positive rate (11.4%), whereas SMA in frozen plates yielded satisfactory results.

Impact:

  • This study provides a reliable method for the routine detection of MBL-producing GNRs, aiding in infection control.
  • The findings highlight the importance of rapid diagnostics for managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant MBL-producing bacteria.
  • Effective detection strategies are essential due to the lack of effective monotherapy antimicrobial agents against these resistant isolates.