Ertapenem disk performance to predict Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase produced by Gram-negative bacilli isolated in a São Paulo city public hospital.

Objective: To evaluate ertapenem disk performance to predict Klebsiella pneumonie carbapenemase production by Gram-negative bacilli.

Methods: All Gram-negative bacilli isolated between January 2010 and June 2011 were tested by disk diffusion (Oxoid™) for sensitivity to ertapenem, meropenem and imipenem. Resistant or intermediate sensitivity strains (diameter < 22 mm for ertapenem) were also tested for the blaKPC gene by polymerase chain reaction.