CHROMagar C3GR supplement for detection of Gram-negative bacteria producing Beta-Lactamase

β-Lactamase production (ESBL, AmpC, etc) is the most common mechanism of β-lactam drug resistance in gram-negative bacteria. Many clinical laboratories currently screen for ESBLs but do not screen for AmpC β-lactamases, though bacteria (mostly Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli, Enterobacter and Proteus) producing plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases have been responsible for nosocomial outbreaks.

Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that proper surveillance is in place to help establish appropriate guidelines and policies for infection control. Rapid detection of bacteria producing these enzymes also allows for de-escalation to more targeted therapy to conserve carbapenem antibiotics for more serious infections.

The CHROMagar C3G^R supplement added to CHROMagar Orientation contributes to the rapid screening of Gram-negative C3G^R-producing bacteria. The supplement combines species colour differentiation and a selectivity that allows the growth of microorganisms with the reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins.

The supplement provides detection after overnight incubation and good species differentiation due to the chromogenic performances of supplemented CHROMagar Orientation. The product is composed of a powder-base CHROMagar Orientation and a supplement to enhance ESBL-producing bacteria.

It has high sensitivity, with the medium not inhibiting plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing bacteria. It also provides time and workload savings as, with direct culture available from the specimen, there is no need for a selective pre-enrichment.