Mast Group Appointed European Distributor of Kanto Tests

The Kanto Chemical Company (Tokyo, Japan) has appointed Mast Group Ltd. (Merseyside, UK) as its authorized representative and exclusive European distributor for a range of tests for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESbL) detection.

The Cica Beta products of Kanto incorporate the use of a novel chromogenic compound to differentiate between the various beta lactamase enzymes and permit confirmation of an organism as an ESbL, metallo-beta lactamase (MBL), or AmpC-type lactamase producer. Separate kits are available for each type of beta lactamase enzyme and each kit is color coded for simple identification. The kits can be used individually or in combination for comprehensive enzyme profiling.

Lactamase-producing strains of bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics and cause infections that are difficult to treat. In many instances, only two oral antibiotics and a very limited group of intravenous antibiotics are effective.

Suspect bacterial colonies are streaked onto each strip and identification is made by a clear color change from yellow to red. Results are available within 15 minutes, permitting rapid and accurate identification. The Cica Beta tests supplement the existing range of Mast's identification and antibiotic sensitivity products.

The Cica Beta kits rapidly detect enzyme production in Gram-negative isolates from patients with severe infection. ESbL production by a total of 304 strains of Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis was tested by a Cica Beta kit as well as the phenotypic confirmatory disk test (using cefotaxime and ceftazidime, with and without clavulanate). The kit showed 95.5% and 98.1% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, as compared to the disk test, and thus proved to be an appropriate tool for the rapid detection of ESbL.



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Kanto Chemical
Mast Group