β-Lactamase production (ESBL, AmpC,...) is the most common mechanism of β-lactam drug resistance in gram-negative bacteria. Many clinical laboratories currently screen for ESBLs but do not screen for AmpC β-lactamases; though bacteria (mostly Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli, Enterobacter and Proteus) producing plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases have been responsible for nosocomial outbreaks.

Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that proper surveillance is in place to help establish appropriate guidelines and policies for infection control. Rapid detection of bacteria producing these enzymes also allows for de-escalation to more targeted therapy, to conserve carbapenem antibiotics for more serious infections.

CHROMagar™ C3G^R Supplement added to CHROMagar™ Orientation contributes to the rapid screening of Gram-negative C3G^R-producing bacteria.

CHROMagar™ C3G^R  combines the species colour differentiation and a selectivity that allows the growth of microorganism with the reduced susceptibility to 3rd generation cephalosporins.