A Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) kit that can detect seven of the most common carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) is now available from the Mast Group. The Mast Isoplex® CRE-ART  provides rapid results with 15 mins hands-on time and 30 mins run time. It is also very cost-efficient, as it does not require expensive PCR equipment or expertise to run but a simple heat block that maintains the reaction at one stable temperature.

The Isoplex CRE-ART  detects OXA-48, OXA-23, OXA-24/40, KPC, VIM, NDM and IMP. Carbapenem-resistant bacteria comprise two of the 'Five Urgent Threats' established by the CDC in their recent 'Antibiotic-Resistant Threats in the United States' report, which was published last month. LAMP technology is renowned for its robustness and affordability, and if Antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) is to be adequately tackled, laboratories across the world, even those with limited resources, must be equipped with molecular techniques that are up to the task. 

The increasing prevalence of Gram-negative infections exhibiting multi-drug resistance has become one of the most significant threats to public health globally. Over recent years, there have been several outbreaks of CPOs that have caused widespread dissemination and resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. The prevalence of CPOs in healthcare infections has increased profoundly since the turn of the century and laboratories are now being encouraged to test for the most prevalent carbapenemase families.