laboratory detection of carbapenemases in gram-negative bacteria

the nosocomial infections, caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria, are the most important cause of mortality throughout the world. one important mechanism against beta-lactam antibiotics is the production of beta-lactamases. enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentative bacteria, like pseudomonas aeruginosa and acinetobacter baumannnii may produce these enzymes. currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the infections caused by β-lactamase-producing bacteria. consequently, it is necessary to identify β-lactamase-producing bacteria by phenotypic and molecular methods.