Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been recently introduced to many diagnostic microbiological laboratories. Besides the identification of bacteria and fungi, that technique provides a potentially useful tool for the detection of antimicrobial resistance, especially of that conferred by β-lactamases. Here, we describe an assay allowing a detection of meropenem hydrolysis in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and Acinetobacter baumannii using MALDI-TOF MS. This method is able to confirm carbapenemases within 3 h. The results are important for proper and fast intervention to limit the spread of carbapenemase-producing bacteria and provide information for appropriate initial therapy of the infections caused by these microbes.

Department of Microbiology Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital in Plzen Charles University Prague Alej Svobody 80 304 60 Plzen Czech Republic

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