A multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, fast, economic and simultaneous detection of the carbapenemase genes blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM and blaOXA-48.

A novel multiplex real-time PCR was designed to detect the clinically most important carbapenemase genes, blaKPC, blaVIM, blaNDM and blaOXA-48. The multiplex assay was verified testing genomic DNA of 24 carbapenemase-producing strains. It was validated using a blinded panel of 82 carbapenemase-producing and 50 non-producing isolates by direct colony PCR.