Laboratory Detection of Carbapenemases in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Abstract

The nosocomial infections, caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria, are the most important cause of mortality throughout the world. One important mechanism against beta-lactam antibiotics is the production of beta-lactamases. Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannnii may produce these enzymes. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the infections caused by β-lactamase-producing bacteria. Consequently, it is necessary to identify β-lactamase-producing bacteria by phenotypic and molecular methods.