Rapid Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) for Enterobacteriaceae by use of a Multiplex PCR-based Method

A multiplex PCR method has been developed to classify extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and plasmidmediated AmpC β-lactamase (PABL). This method consists of the use of two four-multiplex PCRs for the detection of TEM, OXA, SHV, CTX-M, CMY, and DHA type β-lactamases. We have compared findings from the use of conventional detection methods with that of this newly developed typing method. In testing for 73 ESBLproducing and PABL-producing isolates, 100% of the isolates were correctly identified as previously characterized types and, 44 types of β-lactamases were additionally identified from 33 isolates. This assay not only reduces the time for classification but also increases the accuracy for detection.