Journal Article
Optimized detection of ESBL producers, carbapenemase producers, and VRE from rectal swabs using enrichment broth for superior screening sensitivity
Dominique S Blanc; Massiha Kamyar; Patrice Nordmann; Laurent Poirel; Gilbert Greub
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases · Vol. 44, Issue 12 · pp. 3135-3138 · 2025
Abstract
This study evaluates the added value of using enrichment broths for improving the detection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria—VRE, ESBL producers, and carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs)—from rectal swabs. Comparing direct plating to enrichment-based methods significantly increased detection sensitivity, especially for CPOs (from 17 to 27 cases, a 58.8% increase). Detection rates for ESBL producers and VRE also improved significantly (by 20%). Pre-enrichment is therefore a valuable addition to routine MDR bacteria screening protocols, which is particularly useful when high accuracy is needed for prevention and infection control as well as for outbreak management.