Detection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae by chromogenic screening media

Enterobacteriaceae are a part of the human intestinal flora easily spread by hand carriage, water and food. Treatment of infections due to Enterobacteriaceae is difficult mainly in countries with a low socioeconomic state. Carbapenems are considered as a last-resort antibiotic for the treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) presents a major threat to public health and are rapidly disseminating globally. The most important resistance mechanism of Enterobacteriaceae to carbapenems is carbapenemase production. The treatment options for CRE are limited; attention is focused here on the rapid detection of CRE. Laboratory surveillance of cultures and screening of patients are essential and desirable in areas where these strains are endemic. Culture-based methods such as chromogenic media are used for the initial detection of these strains. These media offer a sensitive, convenient, and low-cost way of identifying CRE species. This article provides an overview of the current state of culture-based chromogenic screening media for the detection of CRE.