Comparison of Three Phenotypic Methods and PCR for Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase ‎Production in Klebsiella spp. and Acinetobacter spp.

of Acinetobacter isolates were positive for one or more genes coding for carbapenemase by PCR with predominance of blaOXA-48 gene. Chromogenic media gave positive results in 98% (49/50) of isolates with sensitivity 100% and specificity 0% for detection of carbapenemase producers. MHT gave positive results in 45 isolates out of 48 PCR positive isolates with a sensitivity of 93.8% and specificity 0% for detection of carbapenemase production. Blue carba test gave positive results in 48 isolates out of 48 PCR positive isolates with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity 100% for detection of carbapenemase production. Conclusion: Blue carba test agreed with PCR with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity 100%, However it failed to detect the carbapenemases detected by other phenotypic tests .