Pathogens
ESBL- Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing organisms

ESBL- Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing organisms

Precautions

Standard 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 received antimicrobials or have 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, or any syndrome caused by the organism carrying it (See the organism for list)

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.