Main Article Content

Can flow cytometry be an alternative method for the detection of antimicrobial resistance?


Ozel Yuruker
Emrah Güler
Kaya Süer
Meryem Güvenir

Abstract

Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics may cause antibiotic resistance, cause side effects, and eventually cause an increase in healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine a flow cytometry-based test to detect ESBL E. coli and MDR p. aeruginosa in a short time.


Methods: The study included 25 E.coli isolates and 25 P.aeruginosa isolates identified by Phoenix TM 100 automated system [Becton Dickinson, USA]. In the flow cytometric method, the percentages of death cells exposed to cephalosporin including ceftazidime [CAZ] or cefotaxime [CTX] and clavulanic acid [CLA] combination, were compared with death cells exposed only to a cephalosporin [CAZ or CTX]. CLA index values [CAZ-CLA and CTX-CLA indices] were obtained for CTX and CAZ. Index values that were higher than 1.5 just for one cephalosporin were accepted as positive.


Results: Cell viability was performed after 1-hour exposure to the drugs. When PI staining was applied to ESBL-treated and MDR-treated bacteria, 65% and 85% had nonviable membranes, indicating the method efficiently identified only cells with damaged membranes.


Conclusion: Flow cytometry is a rapid and reliable method for the detection of ESBL and MDR in clinical microbiology laboratories


Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; ESBL; flow cytometry; MDR.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905