Genetic Signatures CSO presents on the development of an EasyScreen™ assay for the detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Carbapenemase Producing Organisms (CPO)

Dr. Doug Millar, Genetic Signatures Chief Scientific Officer, presented a scientific poster titled “A Rapid 3base™ Real-Time PCR for the detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms using Multi-Coloured Fluorogenic Probes“ at the 26th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The data presented showed that the Genetic Signatures ESBL/CPO Detection Kit provides a rapid, sensitive and specific alternative for the detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing organisms.

The panel, targets TEM, SHV, CTX-M, DHA, and CMY for the detection of ESBL and IMP, OXA-48, OXA-181, VIM, KPC, and NDM for the detection of CPO.  The technology uses multi-coloured fluorogenic probes to enable the expansion of the multiplexing capabilities of Genetic Signatures assays.

Genetic Signatures CSO, Dr. Doug Millar, has said “The emergence of carbapenemase-resistant bacteria, which are already endemic in the US, is a significant global concern in healthcare settings. Accurate and timely detection of ESBL and CPOs will have a significant impact on patient management. We are pleased with the progress we have made in the development of this assay and are working toward its release to market.”

The poster may be viewed here.

About Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Carbapenemase Producing Organisms (CPO): Beta-lactam antibiotics are the most commonly used antibiotics worldwide in the treatment of bacterial infections. Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms hydrolyse cephalosporins, penicillins and aztreonam rendering them ineffective for treatment of infected patients. Recently there have been reports of ESBL organisms expressing multiple drug resistance markers, making treatment of infected patients more challenging. ESBLs do not hydrolyse carbapenems thus carbapenems have become the first line choice in the treatment of ESBL infections. The emergence of carbapenemase resistant bacteria is a significant global concern in healthcare settings, as standard treatments may be rendered ineffective.