Performance

Polymyxin E (colistin) and B are increasingly used as antimicrobials in the treatment of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. Polymyxin resistance, although intrinsic in Gram-positive and some Gram-negative species (Proteus, Morganella, Serratia), is now a problem in a number of other pathogens(Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae).*

Resistance arises due to mutations/insertions in genes involved in LPS biosynthesis (lpx, pmrA/B, mgrB, phoP/Q) and/or the acquisition of phosphoethanolomine transferases (PEtN).Of great concern is the recently described plasmid-encoded PEtN, MCR-1, now found worldwide in a range of animal, human and environmental bacterial isolates.*

CHROMagar™ COL-APSE is a sensitive and specific medium for the growth of Colistin resistant bacterial pathogens with a lower limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL. This new chromogenic medium may be useful as a primary isolation medium in the surveillance and recovery of Colistin resistant bacteria from complex human, veterinary and environmental samples especially those with plasmid mediated MCR-1 or novel mechanisms of polymyxin resistance.*

* Novel Chromogenic Culture Media (CHROMagar™ COL-APSE) for the Isolation and Differentiation of Colistin Resistant Gram-negative Pathogens. Muhd Haziq F Abdul Momin, David W Wareham. ECCMID 2017.

Intended Use:

CHROMagar™ COL-APSE is a selective and differential chromogenic culture medium, intended for use in the qualitative direct detection of gastrointestinal colonization with colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (COL-R) to aid in the prevention and control of COL-R in healthcare settings. The test is performed with rectal swab, perineal swabs and stools samples from patients to screen for COL-R colonization. Results can be interpreted after 18-24 h of aerobic incubation at 35-37 °C.

The medium can also be used as an early warning indicator for diagnostic tests of infections to signal the possible presence of COL-R bacteria. This use does not replace the institution’s protocols.

CHROMagar™ COL-APSE is not intended to diagnose COL-R infection nor to guide nor monitor treatment for infections. A lack of growth or the absence of colonies on CHROMagar™ COL-APSE does not preclude the presence of COL-R. Further identification, susceptibility testing, and epidemiological typing is needed on suspect colonies. 

CHROMagar™ COL-APSE can also be used in the detection of COL-R in the analyses of food products for human consumption, animal feed, in livestock and in environmental samples.