Direct Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae by MALDI-TOF Analysis of Full Spectra Applying Machine Learning.

MALDI-TOF MS is considered to be an important tool for the future development of rapid microbiological techniques. We propose the application of MALDI-TOF MS as a dual technique for the identification of bacteria and the detection of resistance, with no extra hands-on procedures. We have developed a machine learning approach that uses the random forest algorithm for the direct prediction of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPK) isolates, based on the spectra of complete cells. For this purpose, we used a database of 4,547 mass spectra profiles, including 715 unduplicated clinical isolates that are represented by 324 CPK with 37 different ST. The impact of the culture medium was determinant in the CPK prediction, being that the isolates were tested and cultured in the same media, compared to the isolates used to build the model (blood agar). The proposed method has an accuracy of 97.83% for the prediction of CPK and an accuracy of 95.24% for the prediction of OXA-48 or KPC carriage. For the CPK prediction, the RF algorithm yielded a value of 1.00 for both the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the precision-recall curve. The contribution of individual mass peaks to the CPK prediction was determined using Shapley values, which revealed that the complete proteome, rather than a series of mass peaks or potential biomarkers (as previously suggested), is responsible for the algorithm-based classification. Thus, the use of the full spectrum, as proposed here, with a pattern-matching analytical algorithm produced the best outcome. The use of MALDI-TOF MS coupled with machine learning algorithm processing enabled the identification of CPK isolates within only a few minutes, thereby reducing the time to detection of resistance.

Validation of an expanded, in-house library and an optimized preparation method for the identification of fungal isolates using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

The goal of this study was to validate an optimized sample preparation method for filamentous fungal isolates coupled with the use of an in-house library for the identification of moulds using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in a multicenter context. For that purpose, three Spanish microbiology laboratories participated in the identification of 97 fungal isolates using MALDI-TOF MS coupled with the Filamentous Fungi library 3.0 (Bruker Daltonics) and an in-house library containing 314 unique fungal references. The isolates analyzed belonged to 25 species from the genus Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium/Lomentospora, the Mucorales order and the Dermatophytes group. MALDI-TOF MS identification was carried out from hyphae resuspended in water and ethanol. After a high-speed centrifugation step, the supernatant was discarded and the pellet submitted to a standard protein extraction step. The protein extract was analyzed with the MBT Smart MALDI Biotyper system (Bruker Daltonics). The rate of accurate, species-level identification obtained ranged between 84.5% and 94.8% and the score values were 1.8 for 72.2-94.9% of the cases. Two laboratories failed to identify only one isolate of Syncephalastrum sp. and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively and three isolates could not be identified in the third center (F. proliferatum, n = 1; T.interdigitale, n = 2). In conclusion, the availability of an effective sample preparation method and an extended database allowed high rates of correct identification of fungal species using MALDI-TOF MS. Some species, such as Trichophyton spp. are still difficult to identify. Although further improvements are still required, the developed methodology allowed the reliable identification of most fungal species.

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has been improved as a diagnostic method for the rapid and reliable identification of filamentous fungi by means of the creation of an expanded database containing reference protein spectra of the most clinically impacting fungal species.

Assessment of Activity and Resistance Mechanisms to Cefepime in Combination with the Novel ß-Lactamase Inhibitors Zidebactam, Taniborbactam, and Enmetazobactam against a Multicenter Collection of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales.

The global distribution of carbapenemases such as KPC, OXA-48, and metallo-ß-lactamases (MBLs) gives cause for concern, as these enzymes are not inhibited by classical ß-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs). The current development of new inhibitors is one of the most promising highlights for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The activity of cefepime in combination with the novel BLIs zidebactam, taniborbactam, and enmetazobactam was studied in a collection of 400 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). The genomes were fully sequenced and potential mechanisms of resistance to cefepime/BLI combinations were characterized. Cefepime resistance in the whole set of isolates was 79.5% (MIC50/90 64/≥128mg/L). The cefepime/zidebactam and cefepime/taniborbactam combinations showed the highest activity (MIC50/90 ≤0.5/1 and ≤0.5/2 mg/L, respectively). Cefepime/zidebactam displayed high activity, regardless of the carbapenemase or extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) considered (99% of isolates displayed MIC ≤2 mg/L). Cefepime/taniborbactam displayed excellent activity against OXA-48- and KPC-producing Enterobacterales and lower activity against MBL-producing isolates (four strains yielded MICs ≥16 mg/L: 2 NDM producers with an insertion in PBP3, one VIM-1 producer with nonfunctional OmpK35, and one IMP-8 producer). Cefepime/enmetazobactam displayed the lowest activity (MIC50/90 1/≥128 mg/L), with MICs ≥16 mg/L for 49 MBL producers, 40 OXA-48 producers (13 with amino acid changes in OmpK35/36, 4 in PBPs and 11 in RamR) and 25 KPC producers (most with an insertion in OmpK36). These results confirm the therapeutic potential of the new ß-lactamase inhibitors, shedding light on the activity of cefepime and BLIs against CPE and resistance mechanisms. The cefepime/zidebactam and cefepime/taniborbactam combinations are particularly highlighted as promising alternatives to penicillin-based inhibitors for the treatment of CPE.

Selection of AmpC ß-Lactamase Variants and Metallo-ß-Lactamases Leading to Ceftolozane/Tazobactam and Ceftazidime/Avibactam Resistance during Treatment of MDR/XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections.

Infections caused by ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant P. aeruginosa infections are an emerging concern. We aimed to analyze the underlying ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam resistance mechanisms in all multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR) P. aeruginosa isolates recovered during 1 year (2020) from patients with a documented P. aeruginosa infection. Fifteen isolates showing ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam resistance were evaluated. Clinical conditions, previous positive cultures, and ß-lactams received in the previous month were reviewed for each patient. MICs were determined by broth microdilution. Multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) and resistance mechanisms were determined using short- and long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The impact of Pseudomonas-derived cephalosporinases (PDCs) on ß-lactam resistance was demonstrated by cloning into an ampC-deficient PAO1 derivative (PAOΔC) and construction of 3D models. Genetic support of acquired ß-lactamases was determined in silico from high-quality hybrid assemblies. In most cases, the isolates were recovered after treatment with ceftolozane-tazobactam or ceftazidime-avibactam. Seven isolates from different sequence types (STs) owed their ß-lactam resistance to chromosomal mutations and all displayed specific substitutions in PDC: Phe121Leu and Gly222Ser, Pro154Leu, Ala201Thr, Gly214Arg, ΔGly203-Glu219, and Glu219Lys. In the other eight isolates, the ST175 clone was overrepresented (6 isolates) and associated with IMP-28 and IMP-13, whereas two ST1284 isolates produced VIM-2. The cloned PDCs conferred enhanced cephalosporin resistance. The 3D PDC models revealed rearrangements affecting residues involved in cephalosporin hydrolysis. Carbapenemases were chromosomal (VIM-2) or plasmid-borne (IMP-28, IMP-13) and associated with class-1 integrons located in Tn402-like transposition modules. Our findings highlighted that cephalosporin/ß-lactamase inhibitors are potential selectors of MDR/XDR P. aeruginosa strains producing PDC variants or metallo-ß-lactamases. Judicious use of these agents is encouraged.

Occurrence of the p019 Gene in the blaKPC-Harboring Plasmids: Adverse Clinical Impact for Direct Tracking of KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been used for the direct detection of KPC-producing isolates by analysis of the 11,109 Da mass peak representing the P019 protein. In this study, we evaluate the presence of the 11,109 Da mass peak in a collection of 435 unduplicated Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. The prevalence of the P019 peak in the blaKPC K. pneumoniae isolates was 49.2% (32/65). The 11,109 Da mass peak was not observed in any of the other carbapenemase (319) or noncarbapenemase producers (116). Computational analysis of the presence of the p019 gene was performed in the aforementioned carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates fully characterized by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and in a further collection of 1,649 K. pneumoniae genomes included in EuSCAPE. Herein, we have demonstrated that the p019 gene is not exclusively linked to the pKpQil plasmid but that it is present in the following plasmids: IncFIB(K)/IncFII(K)/ColRNAI, IncFIB(pQil), IncFIB(pQil)/ColRNAI, IncFIB(pQil)/IncFII(K), IncFIB(K)/IncFII(K), and IncX3. In addition, we have proven the independent movement of the Tn4401 and the ISKpn31, of which the p019 gene is a component. The absence of the p019 gene was obvious in Col440I, Col(pHAD28), IncFIB(K)/IncX3/IncFII(K), and IncFIB(K)/IncFII(K) plasmids. In addition, we also observed another plasmid in which neither Tn4401 nor ISKpn31 was found, IncP6. In the EuSCAPE, the occurrence of p019 varied from 0% to 100% among the different geographical locations. The adverse clinical impact of the diminished prevalence of the p019 gene within the plasmid encoding KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae puts forward the need for reconsideration when applying this technique in a clinical setting.

An Improved Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis Pipeline for the Identification of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The increasing emergence of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPK) isolates is a global health alarm. Rapid methods that require minimum sample preparation and rapid data analysis are urgently required. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been used by clinical laboratories for identification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; however, discrepancies have arisen regarding biological and technical issues. The aim of this study was to standardize an operating procedure and data analysis for identification of CPK by MALDI-TOF MS. To evaluate this approach, a series of 162 K. pneumoniae isolates (112 CPK and 50 non-CPK) were processed in the MALDI BioTyper system (Bruker Daltonik, Germany) following a standard operating procedure. The study was conducted in two stages; the first is denominated the "reproducibility stage" and the second "CPK identification." The first stage was designed to evaluate the biological and technical variation associated with the entire analysis of CPK and the second stage to assess the final accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of CPK. Therefore, we present an improved MALDI-TOF MS data analysis pipeline using neural network analysis implemented in Clover MS Data Analysis Software (Clover Biosoft, Spain) that is designed to reduce variability, guarantee interlaboratory reproducibility, and maximize the information selected from the bacterial proteome. Using the random forest (RF) algorithm, 100% of CPK isolates were correctly identified when all the peaks in the spectra were selected as input features and total ion current (TIC) normalization was applied. Thus, we have demonstrated that real-time direct tracking of CPK is possible using MALDI-TOF MS.

Activity of imipenem/relebactam against a Spanish nationwide collection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales.

BACKGROUND: Imipenem/relebactam is a novel carbapenem/ß-lactamase inhibitor combination, developed to act against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). OBJECTIVES: To assess the in vitro activity of imipenem/relebactam against a Spanish nationwide collection of CPE by testing the susceptibility of these isolates to 16 widely used antimicrobials and to determine the underlying ß-lactam resistance mechanisms involved and the molecular epidemiology of carbapenemases in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical CPE isolates (n = 401) collected for 2 months from 24 hospitals in Spain were tested. MIC50, MIC90 and susceptibility/resistance rates were interpreted in accordance with the EUCAST guidelines. ß-Lactam resistance mechanisms and molecular epidemiology were characterized by WGS. RESULTS: For all isolates, high rates of susceptibility to colistin (86.5%; MIC50/90 = 0.12/8 mg/L), imipenem/relebactam (85.8%; MIC50/90 = 0.5/4 mg/L) and ceftazidime/avibactam (83.8%, MIC50/90 = 1/≥256 mg/L) were observed. The subgroups of isolates producing OXA-48-like (n = 305, 75.1%) and KPC-like enzymes (n = 44, 10.8%) were highly susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam (97.7%, MIC50/90 = 1/2 mg/L) and imipenem/relebactam (100.0%, MIC50/90 = ≤0.25/1 mg/L), respectively.The most widely disseminated high-risk clones of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae across Spain were found to be ST11, ST147, ST392 and ST15 (mostly associated with OXA-48) and ST258/512 (in all cases producing KPC). CONCLUSIONS: Imipenem/relebactam, colistin and ceftazidime/avibactam were the most active antimicrobials against all CPEs. Imipenem/relebactam is a valuable addition to the antimicrobial arsenal used in the fight against CPE, particularly against KPC-producing isolates, which in all cases were susceptible to this combination.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Rapid Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms and Beyond.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been successfully applied in recent years for first-line identification of pathogens in clinical microbiology because it is simple to use, rapid, and accurate and has economic benefits in hospital management. The range of clinical applications of MALDI-TOF MS for bacterial isolates is increasing constantly, from species identification to the two most promising applications in the near future: detection of antimicrobial resistance and strain typing for epidemiological studies. The aim of this review is to outline the contribution of previous MALDI-TOF MS studies in relation to detection of antimicrobial resistance and to discuss potential future challenges in this field. Three main approaches are ready (or almost ready) for clinical use, including the detection of antibiotic modifications due to the enzymatic activity of bacteria, the detection of antimicrobial resistance by analysis of the peak patterns of bacteria or mass peak profiles, and the detection of resistance by semiquantification of bacterial growth in the presence of a given antibiotic. This review provides an expert guide for MALDI-TOF MS users to new approaches in the field of antimicrobial resistance detection, especially possible applications as a routine diagnostic tool in microbiology laboratories.

High incidence of MDR and XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia in Greece, Italy and Spain as part of the MagicBullet clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility, molecular epidemiology and carbapenem resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from respiratory tract samples from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia enrolled in the MagicBullet clinical trial. METHODS: Isolates were collected from 53 patients from 12 hospitals in Spain, Italy and Greece. Susceptibility was determined using broth microdilution and Etest. MALDI-TOF MS was used to detect carbapenemase activity and carbapenemases were identified by PCR and sequencing. Molecular epidemiology was investigated using PFGE and MLST. RESULTS: Of the 53 isolates, 2 (3.8%) were considered pandrug resistant (PDR), 19 (35.8%) were XDR and 16 (30.2%) were MDR. Most (88.9%) of the isolates from Greece were MDR, XDR or PDR, whereas fewer of the isolates from Spain (33.3%) and Italy (43.5%) showed antibiotic resistance. Three Greek isolates were resistant to colistin. Overall, the rates of resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates to imipenem, ciprofloxacin, ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam were 64.1%, 54.7%, 22.6% and 24.5%, respectively. All isolates resistant to ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam (Greece, n = 10; and Italy, n = 2) carried blaVIM-2. Spanish isolates were susceptible to the new drug combinations. Forty-eight restriction patterns and 27 STs were documented. Sixty percent of isolates belonged to six STs, including the high-risk clones ST-111, ST-175 and ST-235. CONCLUSIONS: MDR/XDR isolates were highly prevalent, particularly in Greece. The most effective antibiotic against P. aeruginosa was colistin, followed by ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam. blaVIM-2 is associated with resistance to ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam, and related to highly resistant phenotypes. ST-111 was the most frequent and disseminated clone and the clonal diversity was lower in XDR and PDR strains.

Rapid detection of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant AAC(6')-Ib-cr in Enterobacteriaceae by MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

Objectives: Rapid detection of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant AAC(6')-Ib-cr in Enterobacteriaceae by measuring acetyltransferase activity against fluoroquinolones by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Methods: The presence of the AAC(6')-Ib-cr enzyme was determined by MS by measuring the acetyltransferase activity of a collection of 81 isogenic Escherichia coli control strains [10 carrying the AAC(6')-Ib-cr enzyme during exposure to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and levofloxacin] and further analysis of 36 clinical isolates [25 carrying the AAC(6')-Ib-cr enzyme in addition to different combinations of quinolone resistance mechanisms]. The effect of acetylation yields an increase of 43 Da in the mass of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, but not of levofloxacin, that can be observed by visual inspection of the mass peaks in the spectra. Results: Based on the characteristic peak pattern for the acetylated and non-acetylated forms of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, a clear differentiation between AAC(6')-Ib-cr-producing isolates and non-AAC(6')-Ib-cr-producing isolates was detected after an incubation time of 30 min, both in the isogenic control strains and in the clinical isolates. Levofloxacin was found intact. A 100% agreement was found between the MALDI-TOF-MS-based assay and the results of the molecular characterization of the tested isolates. Conclusions: MALDI-TOF MS is an outstanding method for detection of the AAC(6')-Ib-cr enzyme in clinical samples. The method is easy to perform and not time consuming, as analytical results can be obtained within minutes. For the first time, MALDI-TOF MS has been used to detect resistance promoted by enzymatic modification of antibiotics aside from ß-lactamases, expanding the capacity of analysis into new families of antibiotics.

Rapid direct detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in clinical urine samples by MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

Objectives: Development of an automated MALDI-TOF MS-based method for the rapid, direct detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in clinical urine samples within 90 min of sample reception. Methods: A total of 3041 urine samples were processed by flow cytometry, and a cut-off value of ≥1.5 × 10 5 bacteria/mL was used to select samples for the study. Following these criteria, 608 samples were selected for direct bacterial identification. Detection of carbapenemase activity by MALDI-TOF MS analysis was only performed after reliable direct identification of Gram-negative bacilli. A novel protocol was developed for extracting bacteria from urine samples by using the Sepsityper Kit (Bruker Daltonik, Germany). Carbapenem resistance was detected with imipenem as an antibiotic marker and the results were automatically interpreted using the STAR-BL module of MALDI-TOF Biotyper Compass software (Bruker Daltonik, Germany). Results: The MALDI-TOF MS-based assay yielded direct reliable identification of 91% (503/553) of the samples. The assay showed 100% sensitivity (30/30) and specificity (454/454) for detecting carbapenemase activity within 90 min of sample reception. Isolates included in the study were further characterized by PCR and sequencing, and bla OXA-48 was detected from all isolates that tested positive in the MALDI-TOF MS-based resistance assay. Conclusions: The proposed protocol for the direct analysis of urine samples by MALDI-TOF MS is suitable for use in clinical laboratories to identify bacteria and detect carbapenemase activity, thus saving at least 24-48 h relative to current routine methods.

Towards the early detection of ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae by MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

Objectives: Development of a novel MALDI-TOF MS-based method for the rapid detection of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Methods: The method was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity and turnaround time regarding the antibiotic used (cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefpodoxime or cefepime) and the performance of the automated MBT STAR-BL software (Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Germany) relative to qualitative interpretation of spectra for detecting ß-lactamase resistance by MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonik) in a collection of 11 isogenic Escherichia coli control strains expressing different ß-lactamases. Finally, for clinical validation, ß-lactamase activity was determined under previously evaluated conditions in 100 clinical isolates previously characterized by PCR and sequencing. Results: Clinical validation of the assay showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for detecting ß-lactam resistance in 30 min by measuring hydrolysis of ceftriaxone (0.50 mg/mL) with the automated MBT STAR-BL software. Regarding the antibiotics evaluated, ceftriaxone yielded 70% more positive results than cefotaxime, 80% more than ceftazidime and 20% more than cefpodoxime, with 100% specificity. Cefepime revealed 100% sensitivity, but only 27% specificity. For the same incubation time, the automated software yielded on average 41% more positive results in relation to detecting resistance than qualitative interpretation of spectra. Conclusions: Our clinical validation of the method proved it to be highly reliable, simple to perform and time saving, transforming ß-lactam resistance detection by MALDI-TOF MS into a ready-to-use technique in clinical laboratories.

Rapid Detection of OXA-48-Producing Enterobacteriaceae by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.

A rapid and sensitive (100%) matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) assay was developed to detect OXA-48-type producers, using 161 previously characterized clinical isolates. Ertapenem was monitored to detect carbapenem resistance, and temocillin was included in the assay as a marker for OXA-48-producers. Structural analysis of temocillin is described. Data are obtained within 60 min.

Evaluation of a novel procedure for rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) using the LightMix® modular carbapenemase kits.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the LightMix® modular carbapenemase kits for the rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and the application of these kits to the direct detection of colonized patients and bacteraemias. METHODS: The modular multiplex PCR kits targeting blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP and blaOXA-48-like carbapenem resistance genes were evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity for carbapenemase resistance in a set of 118 labelled clinical isolates. Among these, 96 were CPE genotypically characterized by PCR and sequencing. The limits of detection were calculated for the different carbapenem resistance genes in terms of cfu/mL. In addition, the kits were used to evaluate colonization of patients by CPE by comparing this assay with the Xpert® Carba-R Kit on 127 rectal, perirectal and pharyngeal samples. Blood cultures from bacteraemias (4) and spiked blood cultures (23) with genotypically characterized isolates were also evaluated. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and specificity of the multiplex PCR assay was 99% and 100%, respectively. The limit of detection for blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP and blaOXA-48-like is 60 cfu/mL and for blaNDM 500 cfu/mL. The colonization and bacteraemia studies revealed a 100% agreement between the results obtained by this assay and the ones obtained by GeneXpert®. CONCLUSIONS: The LightMix® modular carbapenemase kits are highly reliable and utilizable assays for both colonized and septic patients, and can help in the improvement of infection control. Their modular design facilitates cost-effective detection of CPE in hospital settings.

[Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry]. / Detección rápida de resistencias antimicrobianas mediante espectrometría de masas MALDI-TOF.

In recent years, MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry has become established as a first-line diagnostic tool in the identification of microorganisms, including those producing human infections. Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance is one of the future applications of this technique with the greatest likelihood of success. This review describes the most important studies published in this field and discusses potential future challenges and the clinical application of this technique in the next few years.

Interplay between OXA-10 ß-Lactamase Production and Low Outer-Membrane Permeability in Carbapenem Resistance in Enterobacterales.

The OXA-10 class D ß-lactamase has been reported to contribute to carbapenem resistance in non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli; however, its contribution to carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales is unknown. In this work, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), whole genome sequencing (WGS), cloning experiments, kinetic assays, molecular modelling studies, and biochemical assays for carbapenemase detection were performed to determine the impact of OXA-10 production on carbapenem resistance in two XDR clinical isolates of Escherichia coli with the carbapenem resistance phenotype (ertapenem resistance). WGS identified the two clinical isolates as belonging to ST57 in close genomic proximity to each other. Additionally, the presence of the blaOXA-10 gene was identified in both isolates, as well as relevant mutations in the genes coding for the OmpC and OmpF porins. Cloning of blaOXA-10 in an E. coli HB4 (OmpC and OmpF-deficient) demonstrated the important contribution of OXA-10 to increased carbapenem MICs when associated with porin deficiency. Kinetic analysis showed that OXA-10 has low carbapenem-hydrolysing activity, but molecular models revealed interactions of this ß-lactamase with the carbapenems. OXA-10 was not detected with biochemical tests used in clinical laboratories. In conclusion, the ß-lactamase OXA-10 limits the activity of carbapenems in Enterobacterales when combined with low permeability and should be monitored in the future.

Rapid detection of KPC-producing Enterobacterales by using a modified Carba NP test with imipenem/relebactam.

INTRODUCTION: Here, we propose a novel modified Carba NP test for detecting KPC-producing Enterobacterales using imipenem/relebactam. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The test performance was evaluated in a random selection of 160 previously molecularly characterized clinical isolates carrying the 110 blaKPC, 1 blaGES, 12 blaVIM, 4 blaIMP, 3 blaNDM and 42 blaOXA-48-like genes. The proposed method relies on the detection of imipenem hydrolysis in an imipenem/relebactam antibiotic solution and subsequent visual interpretation by color change. RESULTS: All class A producing Enterobacterales (111/111) were detected using imipenem/relebactam as no visual appreciation of color change was perceived due to a nule hydrolysis of imipenem in the antibiotic solution. Overall, the assay showed 100% sensitivity (111/111) and specificity (69/69) for detecting class A KPC-producing Enterobacterales. DISCUSSION: The biochemical assay provides very reliable results for detecting KPC-producing Enterobacterales, with a turnaround time of less than 1 hour, minimum handling and no specialized equipment required.

Emergence of 16S rRNA methyltransferases among carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in Spain studied by whole-genome sequencing.

The emergence of 16S rRNA methyltransferases (RMTs) in Gram-negative pathogens bearing other clinically relevant resistance mechanisms, such as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), is becoming an alarming concern. We investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance mechanisms, molecular epidemiology and genetic support of RMTs in CPE isolates from Spain. This study included a collection of 468 CPE isolates recovered during 2018 from 32 participating Spanish hospitals. MICs were determined using the broth microdilution method, the agar dilution method (fosfomycin) or MIC gradient strips (plazomicin). All isolates were subjected to hybrid whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Sequence types (STs), core genome phylogenetic relatedness, horizontally acquired resistance mechanisms, plasmid analysis and the genetic environment of RMTs were determined in silico from WGS data in all RMT-positive isolates. Among the 468 CPE isolates evaluated, 24 isolates (5.1%) recovered from nine different hospitals spanning five Spanish regions showed resistance to all aminoglycosides and were positive for an RMT (21 RmtF, 2 ArmA and 1 RmtC). All RMT-producers showed high-level resistance to all aminoglycosides, including plazomicin, and in most cases exhibited an extensively drug-resistant susceptibility profile. The RMT-positive isolates showed low genetic diversity and were global clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae (ST147, ST101, ST395) and Enterobacter cloacae (ST93) bearing blaOXA-48, blaNDM-1 or blaVIM-1 carbapenemase genes. RMTs were harboured in five different multidrug resistance plasmids and linked to efficient mobile genetic elements. Our findings highlight that RMTs are emerging among clinical CPE isolates from Spain and their spread should be monitored to preserve the future clinical utility of aminoglycosides and plazomicin.