The use of antibiotic-containing agars for the isolation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms in intensive care units.
MacConkey agar containing either cefotaxime 1.0 mg/L or ceftazidime 1.0 mg/L was evaluated for use in screening for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms. The media were evaluated using known ESBL-positive and -negative strains and 630 clinical specimens over a 6-month period. All Enterobacteriaceae isolated were identified and screened for ESBL production by phenotypic methods. In total, 14 ESBL-producing organisms were detected in the clinical samples. All known ESBL-positive strains were also detected. The use of both screening plates was required to detect all ESBLs.
Wilson
G
G
Department of Medical Microbiology, Stirling Royal Infirmary, Stirling, UK. gwilson44@btinternet.com
McCabe
D
D
D000362:Agar; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002439:Cefotaxime / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002442:Ceftazidime / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000362:Agar; D002442:Ceftazidime; D001618:beta-Lactamases; D002439:Cefotaxime