A team of specialists from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) redesigned a molecular test that allows for more accurate detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Costa Rica.
According to experts, this advancement facilitates early diagnosis and improves the treatment of serious infections.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), private laboratories, and students. Additionally, the work has already been published in the scientific journal Antibiotics.
According to UCR microbiologist and study leader José Arturo Molina, the team adapted a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This method is used worldwide to identify resistant bacteria.
“PCR works well for most of the genes being sought. However, some genetic variants circulating in Costa Rica do not appear in international databases. That is why a redesign was necessary,” Molina explained.
Local variant went undetected
During the analyses, the team identified a significant problem. A genetic variant called IMP-18, which is common in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries, was not detected by commercial testing systems.
“This happens because many international tests are designed using genetic data collected primarily in the United States and Europe,” the experts note.
As a result, some resistant bacteria could go undetected in standard analyses.
Faced with this situation, the researchers adjusted the molecular test so that it could recognize this resistance gene present in the country.
Faster Diagnostics
The redesign also improves infection control in hospitals.
María José Uribe, a microbiologist at Hospital México, explained that the new method allows for faster confirmation of whether a patient has a resistant bacterium.
“Reducing the detection time to two hours is a huge advantage. This allows for faster clinical decisions and helps avoid unnecessary hospitalizations,” Uribe noted.
In addition, faster detection helps isolate infected patients and reduces the risk of transmission within medical facilities.
Bacterial Surveillance
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose one of the greatest challenges to healthcare systems.
In many cases, these microorganisms produce carbapenemases. These enzymes neutralize the most potent antibiotics available for treating serious infections.
“It is very important to know which pathogens are causing resistance problems in Costa Rica. They are not always the same as those found in other regions of the world,” said Juan Carlos Villalobos, president of the College of Microbiologists and Clinical Chemists.
Meanwhile, the redesigned test is now available to clinical laboratories across the country. It also allows for direct requests for analysis to be sent to the UCR.
With this advancement, researchers hope to strengthen surveillance of resistant bacteria and improve the healthcare system’s response to complex infections.
