Symbolic illustration of CPE detection in a hospital setting

Is Your Hospital Safe? Comparing the Best Methods for Detecting Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A New Study Shows How to Quickly Identify Carbapenemase-Producing Bacteria to Prevent Deadly Infections"

In today’s healthcare landscape, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, often called “superbugs,” poses a significant threat. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are particularly concerning. These bacteria have developed resistance to carbapenems, which are often the last line of defense against severe infections. The spread of CPE can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and considerable strain on healthcare resources.

The ability to rapidly detect CPE is crucial for implementing effective infection control measures. Early identification allows hospitals to isolate affected patients, prevent further transmission, and administer appropriate treatment. Traditional detection methods can be slow, prompting the need for faster, more reliable screening techniques.

A recent study published in the Revista Chilena de Infectología evaluated three different screening methods for detecting CPE in rectal swabs. This research offers valuable insights for hospitals seeking to improve their detection strategies and safeguard patient health.

Decoding the Study: Comparing CPE Screening Methods

Symbolic illustration of CPE detection in a hospital setting

The study, conducted at Fundación Clínica Shaio in Colombia, prospectively compared three methodologies for CPE detection using 73 rectal swabs from patients admitted to various hospital units, including the emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), and cardiovascular care unit (CCU). Each method was assessed for its ability to accurately and rapidly identify CPE-producing bacteria.

Here's a breakdown of the three methods:

Method 1: ChromID CARBA® Agar: A chromogenic agar that allows for the direct recovery of carbapenem-resistant organisms from rectal swabs. This method uses antimicrobials to inhibit accompanying microbiota and contains chromogens that facilitate the presumptive identification of microorganisms. Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
Method 2: HB&L Carbapenemase Kit®: This kit uses vials with a nutritive broth, carbapenemics, and antifungals. It employs laser nephelometry in the HB&L® equipment to provide a bacterial count of resistant bacteria. This method detects carbapenemase-producing microorganisms in rectal swab samples in a maximum of 6 hours.
Method 3: Xpert CARBA-R®: A rapid, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique that detects carbapenemase-producing microorganisms in about 1 hour directly from rectal swab samples. The GeneXpert® equipment uses specific probes to reveal the presence of genes encoding carbapenemases, such as KPC, VIM, IMP-1, NDM, and OXA-48.

The study used the "Protocol for detection of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp producing carbapenemases in rectal swabs" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the reference standard. The performance of each method was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, concordance, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

Choosing the Right Method for Your Hospital

The study’s findings highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each screening method. While the ChromID CARBA® agar offers high sensitivity and ease of use, it requires a longer incubation period. The HB&L Carbapenemase Kit® provides rapid results but may have lower sensitivity. The Xpert CARBA-R® offers excellent specificity and rapid detection but comes at a higher cost. Ultimately, the choice of screening method will depend on the specific needs and resources of each healthcare facility. Factors to consider include the prevalence of CPE in the region, the availability of laboratory equipment and expertise, and the budget for infection control.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4067/s0716-10182018000300253, Alternate LINK

Title: Evaluación De Tres Métodos De Tamizaje Para Detección De Enterobacteriaceae Productoras De Carbapenemasas En Hisopados Rectales

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Revista chilena de infectología

Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)

Authors: Diego Fernando Josa, Gisell Bustos, Isabel Cristina Torres, Germán Esparza S.

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and why are they a concern?

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a family of bacteria that have become resistant to carbapenems, a powerful class of antibiotics often used as a last resort for treating severe infections. This resistance makes CPE infections very difficult to treat, leading to increased risks of complications and even death. The rise of CPE is a serious concern in healthcare settings because these infections can spread rapidly and are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, leaving few treatment options.

Why is it so important to detect CPE quickly in hospitals?

Rapid detection of CPE is critical because it allows hospitals to quickly implement infection control measures, such as isolating infected patients. This helps prevent the spread of CPE to other patients and healthcare workers. Early detection also enables doctors to administer appropriate treatments sooner, improving the chances of successful outcomes and reducing the reliance on more toxic or less effective antibiotics. Without rapid detection, CPE can spread unchecked, leading to outbreaks and increased healthcare costs.

Can you explain how the ChromID CARBA® agar method works for detecting CPE?

The ChromID CARBA® agar is a screening method that involves growing bacteria from rectal swabs on a special type of agar (a gel-like substance) that contains antimicrobials to inhibit the growth of non-resistant bacteria. The agar also includes chromogens, which produce different colors depending on the type of bacteria present, allowing for presumptive identification of carbapenem-resistant organisms. While it is easy to use and has high sensitivity, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours to get results.

What is the HB&L Carbapenemase Kit® and how does it detect CPE?

The HB&L Carbapenemase Kit® is a method to detect carbapenemase-producing microorganisms. This kit uses vials with a nutritive broth, carbapenemics, and antifungals. It employs laser nephelometry in the HB&L® equipment to provide a bacterial count of resistant bacteria. This method detects carbapenemase-producing microorganisms in rectal swab samples in a maximum of 6 hours.

How does the Xpert CARBA-R® test work, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

The Xpert CARBA-R® is a rapid, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique used to detect carbapenemase-producing microorganisms directly from rectal swab samples in about 1 hour. It uses specific probes to identify the presence of genes, such as KPC, VIM, IMP-1, NDM, and OXA-48, that encode carbapenemases. While the Xpert CARBA-R® offers excellent specificity and rapid results, it is more expensive than other methods.