Microbiological diagnosis of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales: a necessary update

Authors

Keywords:

Enterobacteriaceae; enterobacterias resistentes a carbapenémicos; carbapenemasas; resistencia antibiótica.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the greatest healthcare challenges today is carbapenem resistance. This group of antimicrobials is among the few therapeutic options available for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli.

Objective: To describe the theoretical and methodological approaches for identifying carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales, based on evidence published as research results.

Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted in Google Scholar. The Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were consulted, as established by the PRISMA 2020 methodology. Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) were used, and 32 open-access articles in English and Spanish published between 2020 and 2024 related to the microbiological diagnosis of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales were included, according to the established eligibility criteria.

Results: It was determined that the main mechanism of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales is the production of carbapenemase enzymes, which hydrolyze the β-lactam ring and exhibit different resistance profiles depending on their type. Several identification methods (phenotypic and genotypic) were described, with varying sensitivity and specificity. Significant diagnostic challenges were identified, including heterogeneous resistance, the coexistence of multiple mechanisms requiring combined diagnostic approaches, and the final interpretation of results.

Conclusions: Timely detection of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales requires a multidisciplinary approach and the integration of phenotypic and genotypic methods, adapted to local epidemiology and laboratory conditions.

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Published

2026-05-22

How to Cite

1.
Choy Marrero A. Microbiological diagnosis of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales: a necessary update. Rev Cubana Inv Bioméd [Internet]. 2026 May 22 [cited 2026 Aug. 8];45:e3719. Available from: https://revibiomedica.sld.cu/index.php/ibi/article/view/3719

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Section

ARTÍCULOS DE REVISIÓN

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