Rapid detection of NDM and VIM carbapenemase encoding genes by recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow-based detection

Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) pose a serious clinical threat and rapid detection tools are essential to aid in patient management. We developed rapid and simple molecular tests to detect bla(NDM-type) and bla(VIM-type) carbapenemase genes using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with a lateral flow detection. The tests could provide results in approximately 15 min when using DNA extracts, with limits of detection of 9.2 copies/mu l for the bla(NDM-type) assay and 7.5 copies/mu l for bla(VIM-type) assay, and successfully detected all isolates harbouring the carbapenemase encoding genes in a panel of 57 isolates. These RPA tests may be suitable for use in low-resource settings to tailor rapid implementation of infection control precautions and antibiotic stewardship.

Automated summary

Developed rapid and simple molecular tests using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to detect bla(NDM-type) and bla(VIM-type) carbapenemase genes, providing results in approximately 15 min. Suitable for use in low-resource settings for rapid implementation of infection control precautions and antibiotic stewardship.