Rapid Identification of Carbapenemase-producing strains by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight using Vitek Mass Spectrometry System.

Objective: The analysis of the protein pattern of carbapenemase (KPC)-producing strains by Bruker Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) Biotyper system has revealed the presence, in the majority of cases, of an 11.109 peak. The peak corresponds to the gene product named p019 of the -bearing plasmids and has been suggested as a candidate for a biomarker that is able to distinguish KPC-producers from non-KPC-producers.