Kit and methods for the rapid detection of the absence or presence of a β-lactamase in samples of body fluids

摘要

The present invention concerns a kit and methods for the detection of absence or presence of a β-lactamase, for example a penicillinase, in a sample comprising or derived from a body fluid taken from a patient suffering from an infection. In some embodiments, the goal of the invention is to rapidly identify infections which can be treated effectively with a penicillin compound. The invention contributes to slowing down the occurrence of resistances to last generation antibiotics. This is achieved by using penicillin compounds for treating infections whenever this can be done efficiently. In brief, the present invention provides a tool for maximizing the use and efficiency of penicillin antibiotics. In other embodiments, the test kit of the invention can be used to detect cephalosporinases (including ESBLs) or carbapenemases.