Rapid Identification of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is an unprecedented threat to public health, and its detection remains challenging. Analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may offer a rapid way to determine bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the VOCs released by carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) using headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Methods: Test bacteria were incubated in trypticase soy broth to the end of exponential growth phase, and imipenem was added in the middle time. Headspace VOCs were concentrated and analyzed using HS-SPME/GC-MS. Results: The compound 3-methyl-1-butanol was found to be a biomarker among the 26 bacterial isolates (10 KPC-positive, 10 NDM-positive, 2 IMP-positive, 2 carbapenemase-negative CRKP, and 2 carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumonoiae). Conclusion: This study explored a promising new strategy for the screening of carbapenemase-producing CRKP strains. Further research with larger sample sizes will potentially accelerate the application of biomarkers in routine microbiology.

Automated summary

This study used HS-SPME/GC-MS to investigate the VOCs released by carbapenemase-producing CRKP, and identified 3-methyl-1-butanol as a potential biomarker for screening carbapenemase-producing CRKP strains.