The increasing rates of infections caused by broad-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs and carbapenemases)-producing  Enterobacteriaceae is a major public health concern.

To fight efficiently against the emergence and the spread of these multidrug (sometimes even pandrug) resistant bacteria, rapid detection and characterization is a prerequisite to implement proper hygiene and infection control measures, as well as a more adequate empirical treatment. Several methods already exist to detect antimicrobial resistance but these techniques require isolated bacteria and procedures with non-compatible delays (≥16 hours).

Thus, sensitive, rapid, low cost and user-friendly tests need to be implemented in clinical microbiology laboratories. Due to its characteristics the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) matches perfectly with these specifications.

Project objetives

The aim of this project is to validate a diagnostic tool using the LFIA technology for the detection of broad spectrum β-lactamases (CTXM) and  carbapenemases (OXA; NDM; KPC, VIM, IMP) directy from biological samples.

We will develop a test consisting of a nitrocellulose strip, which allows the immunological detection, enclosed in a plastic device, which carries out sample treatment. The devices, produced by 3D printing, will be optimized and validated with real clinical samples.

The operational procedures will be improved to fit with clinical habits and analytical specifications (specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity) and a cost-effectiveness analysis will be carried out.

At the end of this project a business concept will be established and training tools for
end-users will be available to accelerate the industrial transfer of this technology and
its implementation in care facilities.

Total funding

500,000 €