Abstract
AIM
The rapid evolvement of beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae is an important concern and the clinical microbiology laboratory is required to detect them, where possible, using a rapid, reliable, simple and low cost methodology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A disc diffusion method using NCCLS breakpoints, Jarlier's principle and cefoxitin test for AmpC was carried out. It incorporated seven antimicrobial discs in one agar plate: cefotaxime, aztreonam, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftazidime, cefpodoxime, cefepime and cefoxitin. NCCLS disc confirmation test for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) was carried out simultaneously.
RESULTS
AmpC, ESBL, CTX-M, and K1 were detected using these tests. The prevalence of ESBL was <1% in the hospital.
CONCLUSION
The method is recommended for the phenotypic detection of beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae or for confirmation after the results are obtained by conventional automated systems.
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