Chromatic ESBL + AmpC - For Microbiology Lab Testing

Chromogenic media for detection of ESBLs and AmpC in Enterobacteriaceae directly from clinical specimens.

ChromaticTM ESBL+AmpC is a chromogenic medium used for detection of ESBL and AmpC producers. ESBLs are enzymes that hydrolyze most penicillins and cephalosporins, inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam. AmpC-type enzymes hydrolyze penicillins, cephalosporins and monobactam and are poorly inhibited by 
the classical ESBL inhibitors, especially clavulanic acid. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae have become one of the most important causes of nosocomial community-acquired 
infections caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but also other Gram negative bacteria. Patients infected by ESBL producers often received inadequate empirical therapy until the pathogen’s resistance is recognized. Early detection is, therefore, essential in order to limit the spread of these pathogens. Organisms producing enough AmpC β lactamase will typically give a positive ESBL screening test but fail the confirmatory test involving increased sensitivity with clavulanic acid.