Multiplex lateral flow immunochromatographic assay is an effective method to detect carbapenemases without risk of OXA-48-like cross reactivity

BACKGROUND: It is essential to detect carriers of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in order to implement infection control measures. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the NG-Test(®) CARBA 5 (CARBA 5) assay for detection of five carbapenemases and to assess the cross reactivity of other OXA-type carbapenemases with the OXA-48-like specific antibodies. METHODS: A total of 197 Enterobacterales isolates were tested. To evaluate the cross reactivity, 73 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, harboring OXA-type variants, were tested. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) served as gold standard for carbapenemase identification. RESULTS: Excellent agreement was found between PCR and CARBA 5, for all but one isolate. The single false positive result (a bla(SME) positive S. marcescens isolate) was incorrectly positive for bla(OXA-48) by CARBA 5. No cross reactivity was observed. The sensitivity and specificity were 100.0% and 98.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CARBA 5 assay is highly sensitive and specific and is recommended as a tool for the detection of the main carbapenemases of interest in clinical microbiology laboratories.