Real-time TaqMan PCR for rapid detection and typing of genes encoding CTX-M extended-spectrum {beta}-lactamases

• Published in: Journal of medical microbiology Vol. 56; no. 1; p. 52
• Main Authors: Birkett, Christopher I, Ludlam, Hugo A, Woodford, Neil, Brown, Derek F. J, Brown, Nicholas M, Roberts, Mark T. M, Milner, Nicola, Curran, Martin D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Soc General Microbiol 01.01.2007
• ISSN: 0022-2615; 1473-5644
• DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46909-0

1 Health Protection Agency, Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK 2 Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring and Reference Laboratory, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, UK Correspondence Christopher I. Birkett christopher.birkett{at}addenbrookes.nhs.uk Received 22 August 2006 Accepted 22 September 2006 The prevalence of CTX-M-producing members of the Enterobacteriaceae is increasing worldwide. A novel, multiplex, real-time TaqMan PCR assay to detect and type bla CTX-M genes is described which is an improvement on previously described techniques with respect to reduced assay time, elimination of the need for protracted post-PCR processing and the convenience of a single reaction vessel. Based on ß -lactam antibiogram and MIC data, 478 of 1279 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from clinical blood and urine culture specimens were selected and tested for extended-spectrum ß -lactamase (ESBL) production using phenotypic methods. The new TaqMan assay detected and typed bla CTX-M genes in 21 of 28 ESBL-producing isolates. Abbreviations: ESBL, extended-spectrum ß -lactamase.