Pathogens
ESBL Organisms

ESBL Organisms

Precautions

Contact Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Gram negative organisms with enzymes that confer resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins in addition to lower order beta-lactams.

Generally, normal GI flora that have a plasmid encoding ESBL.

Community-acquired and nosocomial infections occur, especially if patient has received antimicrobials or has travelled to areas of high prevalence (i.e. Asia/India).

Human-to-human transmission occurs and outbreaks have beed described.

Can also pick up from environment/water, surfaces, animals, and meat.

  • Asymptomatic colonization
  • Any syndrome caused by the organism carrying it (see specific organism for more information)

ESBLs vs. AmpC:

  • Most ESBLs are plasmid-encoded, whereas AmpCs are usually inducible and chromosomal.
  • In the lab, ESBLs test susceptible to Cefoxitin and Cefotetan, and are inhibited by beta-lactamse inhibitors such as Tazobactam.

They test resistant to Aztreonam.