Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Infection(ESBL)
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionExtended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes made by bacteria. ESBL infections make it hard for some medicines to work. This can lead to serious health problems. Sometimes it can be fatal.
CausesCertain bacteria cause the infections. Some people carry them without being sick. but can spread it to others. In the U.S., they are spread by touching people. In other countries they may spread through food or water that has them. Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in Asia and Northern Africa. Travel to these areas raises the risk. However, it can happen anywhere. It is also more common in older people. Other things that raise the risk are:
SymptomsSymptoms depend on the where the ESBL infection is. They may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. Tests will be done to check for bacteria. They may be:
TreatmentOnly certain antibiotics can treat ESBL infections. PreventionHealth care staff can lower the risk of infection by:
Others can lower their risk by:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases https://www.niaid.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Alberta Health Services https://www.albertahealthservices.ca Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance. Accessed February 5, 2021. ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae in healthcare settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/ESBL.html. Accessed February 5, 2021.
Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/drug-review/extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases-esbls. Accessed February 5, 2021.
Lee JH. Perspectives towards antibiotic resistance: from molecules to population. J Microbiol. 2019;57(3):181-184. Last reviewed September 2020 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 2/5/2021 |
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