Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases

Definition

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that confer resistance to a wide range of beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and monobactams. These enzymes are capable of hydrolyzing and inactivating a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, making infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria challenging to treat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ESBLs are primarily found in Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are common causes of healthcare-associated infections.
2. The production of ESBLs is often encoded on plasmids, allowing for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.
3. Infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs due to the limited treatment options.
4. Carbapenems are often considered the last line of defense against ESBL-producing bacteria, but the emergence of carbapenem-resistant strains is a growing concern.
5. Infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, contact precautions, and antimicrobial stewardship programs, are crucial in preventing the spread of ESBL-producing bacteria in healthcare settings.

Review Questions

• Explain how extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) confer antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • ESBLs are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that can hydrolyze and inactivate a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and monobactams. This mechanism of resistance allows ESBL-producing bacteria to survive and proliferate even in the presence of these commonly used antibiotics, making infections caused by these bacteria challenging to treat effectively.
• Describe the epidemiology and clinical significance of ESBL-producing bacteria in healthcare settings.
  • ESBL-producing bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections. The production of ESBLs is often encoded on plasmids, facilitating the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance within and between bacterial populations. Infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria are linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs due to the limited treatment options, as carbapenems are often considered the last line of defense against these resistant strains.
• Evaluate the role of infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship in managing the spread of ESBL-producing bacteria.
  • Effective infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, contact precautions, and environmental cleaning, are crucial in preventing the transmission of ESBL-producing bacteria within healthcare settings. Additionally, antimicrobial stewardship programs that promote the judicious use of antibiotics can help mitigate the selection and spread of ESBL-producing strains. By implementing a multifaceted approach that combines infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and the development of new antibiotics, healthcare facilities can better manage the threat posed by ESBL-producing bacteria and improve patient outcomes.

Related terms

Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: A class of antibiotics that contain a beta-lactam ring in their molecular structure, including penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams.

Antibiotic Resistance: The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics, rendering the antibiotics ineffective in treating the infection.

Plasmid: A small, circular, and self-replicating piece of DNA that can be transferred between bacteria, often carrying genes that confer antibiotic resistance.