The poster, titled “Analytical Validation of a Rapid Molecular Test for Semi-Quantitative Detection of Bacterial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Urine,” demonstrated the semi-quantitative detection of five pathogens and 47 antibiotic resistance genes from primary urine specimens and bacterial isolates. Results from the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel u5.47 (RUO) were used with the Acuitas Lighthouse Software to predict phenotypic resistance for 35 isolates from the CDC & FDA Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Isolate Bank. For the ten E. coli isolates tested, the Acuitas Lighthouse Software predicted antibiotic resistance to thirteen antibiotics with 94% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and 94% agreement with traditional testing methods. Results for the ten K. pneumoniae isolates were 85% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 88% agreement. For the ten P. aeruginosa isolates, the predictions were at 100% sensitivity and agreement. The AR Isolate Bank is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help industry with development of new diagnostic devices, tests, assays and therapeutics. The study demonstrated a lower limit of detection for each pathogen of approximately 1,000 organisms per milliliter of urine, accurate detection of pathogens with semi-quantitation over 10^3 to 10^6 organisms per milliliter of urine, and no species cross-reactivity with 39 pathogens commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
Terry Walker, PhD, OpGen’s Senior Vice President R&D, commented, “In the validation study, the Research-Use-Only Acuitas AMR Gene Panel u5.47 accurately semi-quantitated the organisms and resistance genes in our test. The Acuitas Lighthouse Software demonstrated accurate prediction of phenotypic resistance to thirteen antibiotics commonly prescribed for these pathogens.” Dr. Walker concluded, “Development of our Acuitas products continues to progress. We recently reduced time to result to two hours and the preliminary performance continues to meet our expectations.”
A second poster, titled “Comprehensive analysis of fluoroquinolone resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” demonstrated an example of OpGen’s whole genome sequencing analysis and prediction pipelines. In the study of 616 isolates, sensitivity and specificity for prediction of resistance to two fluoroquinolone antibiotics ranged between 91% and 95%.
The Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom, presented “Evaluation of a gene-resistance profile testing platform (OpGen) with traditional typing methods as a potential for more accurate and quicker identification of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) outbreaks.” The study demonstrated 100% agreement with the Cepheid Carba-R FDA cleared test for carbapenem resistance genes and capabilities of the Acuitas Resistome Test for detection of 46 antibiotic resistance genes for infection control of drug-resistant pathogens in a National Health Service Hospital.