Multiplex PCR for detection of acquired carbapenemase genes

A rapid and reliable PCR-based technique was developed for detection of genes encoding carbapenemases belonging to different classes. Primers were designed to amplify the following 11 genes: bla(IMP), bla(VIM), bla(NDM), bla(SPM), bla(AIM), bla(DIM), bla(GIM), bla(SIM)bla(KPC), bla(BIC), and bla(OXA-48). Three different multiplex reaction mixtures were defined and evaluated for the detection of all these 11 genes. Using optimized conditions, each reaction mixture allowed to identify the respective genes, with PCR giving distinct amplicon sizes corresponding to the different genes for each mixture. We reported here a rapid and reliable technique for screening all clinically relevant carbapenemase genes.