Detection of Carbapenemase Production by Carba NP Test in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Various Clinical Samples in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a major global health concern. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections and multidrug resistance. Rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates is essential for appropriate therapy and infection control. The Carba NP test is a rapid phenotypic method used to detect carbapenemase activity.

Aim: To detect carbapenemase production in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae using the Carba NP test.

Materials and Methods: A total of 378 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from clinical samples at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Dehradun, were studied. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK-2 system. Among them, 220 carbapenem-resistant isolates were analyzed. Carbapenemase production was detected phenotypically using the Carba NP test, and the bla-KPC gene was detected by PCR.

Results: Of the 378 isolates, 220 (58.2%) were carbapenem-resistant. Among these, 125 (57%) were Carba NP positive.

Conclusion: The Carba NP test is a rapid, simple, and cost-effective method for detecting carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, aiding early diagnosis and infection control in clinical settings.