Development of a Novel Test for Simultaneous Bacterial Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility

Abstract EN

Background.

Elucidation of a pathogen’s antimicrobial susceptibility requires subculture after the organism is first isolated.

This takes several days, requiring patients to be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

This approach contributes to the development of bacterial resistance.

Methods.

Microtiter wells were coated with a polyclonal antibody targeting the pathogen of interest.

Bacterial suspensions were added in the presence/absence of selected antibiotics.

After washing, captured bacteria were detected.

Findings.

Group B streptococcus (GBS), Enterococcus faecalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were each detected at 105 bacteria/mL following a 20-minute incubation period.

Susceptibility to select antibiotics was discernable following a 6-hour incubation period (GBS and Enterococcus).

Sensitivity was increased to 10−2 bacteria/mL for GBS, 10−1 bacteria/mL for E.

faecalis, and 101 bacteria/mL for N.

gonorrhoeae following 18–24-hour culture.

Conclusion.

This novel assay allows for the highly sensitive and specific identification of a pathogen and simultaneous determination of its antimicrobial susceptibility in a reduced time.