Carbapenemase Detection Methods in Clinical Microbiology: Conventional and Automated Approaches
Sonam L Dhavale1, Harsha V Patil1, Satish R Patil1
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Krishna Institute of Medical Science, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND.
Cureus
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat due to carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Rapid and accurate detection of carbapenemase activity is crucial for effective treatment and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Molecular diagnostics
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly carbapenem resistance, poses a significant global health threat.
- Carbapenemase-producing bacteria like *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, and *Acinetobacter baumannii* are associated with severe healthcare-associated infections.
- The declining efficacy of carbapenems necessitates improved diagnostic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging methods for identifying carbapenemase activity.
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnostics for treatment, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship.
- To discuss the limitations and advantages of various diagnostic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of traditional phenotypic methods (disk diffusion, MIC, MHT) and their limitations.
- Evaluation of biochemical assays (Carba NP, Blue-Carba, EDTA-based) for sensitivity and specificity.
- Assessment of automated systems (VITEK 2, MALDI-TOF MS) for speed and accuracy.
Main Results:
- Traditional methods are slow and lack specificity.
- Biochemical assays offer improved accuracy but face challenges with false positives and variants.
- Automated systems provide rapid, consistent results but have cost and infrastructure barriers.
Conclusions:
- Accurate and rapid detection of carbapenemase activity is essential for managing multidrug-resistant infections.
- Advancements in diagnostics, including AI and point-of-care tools, are needed to combat carbapenem resistance.
- Future strategies must focus on accessibility and improved diagnostic capacity worldwide.
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