HWN Suggests

ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Ready to Eat Vegetables

Pathogens producing extended-spectrum-β- lactamase (ESBL) such as the Enterobacteriaceae Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae produce an enzyme that effectively render them resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. These bacteria pose a risk to humans particularly in nosocomial environments, but also by contaminating foods such as ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables.

read full article

Articles of Interest

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae: considerations for diagnosis, prevention and drug treatment

ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been responsible for numerous outbreaks of infection throughout the world and pose challenging infection control issues. Clinical outcomes data indicate that ESBLs are clinically significant and, when detected, indicate the need for the use of appropriate antibacterial agents. Unfortunately, the laboratory detection of ESBLs can be complex and, at times, misleading. Antibacterial choice is often complicated by multi-resistance.

Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBL): Challenges and Opportunities

The rise of antimicrobial resistance, particularly from extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), poses a significant global health challenge as it frequently causes the failure of empirical antibiotic therapy, leading to morbidity and mortality.

Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases: a Clinical Update

Carbapenems are the treatment of choice for serious infections due to ESBL-producing organisms, yet carbapenem-resistant isolates have recently been reported. ESBL-producing organisms may appear susceptible to some extended-spectrum cephalosporins. However, treatment with such antibiotics has been associated with high failure rates.

Prevalence of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Pediatric Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In the pediatric population, the prevalence of BSI due to ESBL-PE is significant and is associated with increased mortality in neonates. Further studies are warranted to establish a high-risk group and the evaluation of preventive measures, such as antibiotic stewardship programs and infection control measures, in this population is urgently needed.

Treatment of severe infections caused by ESBL or carbapenemases-producing Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae are the most frequent pathogens in the Intensive Care Unit. Due to their safety and activity, β-Lactams (BL) and carbapenems represented the most common strategy adopted against these germs. The increasing exposure to these molecules led to the development of several types of antimicrobial resistance as the expression of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. Great molecular variability exists among these enzymes, with significant clinical impact.

Resources

CDC

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales are resistant to common antibiotics and may require complex treatments. Infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales can occur both in and outside of healthcare settings.