Comparison of carba Nordmann–Poirel test with modified Hodge test for carbapenemase detection in <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>

Objectives Among Gram-negative bacilli, Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a critical threat due to its increasing resistance to carbapenems, which are vital in treating severe infections. Carbapenemase production is a major mechanism responsible for carbapenem resistance. The reliable and early detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing carbapenemases can serve as an effective strategy for appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Material and Methods This study was done analyzing 382 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. The resistance to carbapenems was initially screened by VITEK-2 compact followed by further testing with the carba Nordmann–Poirel (NP) test and modified Hodge test. Results Among total 382 carbapenem resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae detected by VITEK-2 compact, carbapenemase production was detected in 79% by the modified Hodge test, while 94.5% by the carba NP test. A substantial proportion comprising 75.1% isolates tested positive on both the tests, while 16.75% carba NP positive isolates were found negative by modified Hodge test. Conclusion Carba NP test demonstrates better sensitivity in detection of carbapenemase activity in comparison to modified Hodge test. Its rapidity, ease of use, and superior diagnostic accuracy make it valuable tool for the detection of carbapenemase production by Klebsiella pneumoniae .