title: Risks of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.
abstract: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are an increasingly important cause of multi-drug resistant infections throughout the world.1,2 Bacteria carrying such enzymes have long been recognised as a cause of healthcare-associated infection.3 However, of concern, the incidence of such organisms also appears to be increasing in the community, typically as a cause of urinary tract infection.1,4 Infections due to ESBL-producing organisms can pose a major threat to life; are often difficult and expensive to treat; and can delay discharge from hospital.5(-)8 Here we discuss the bacteria that produce ESBLs and treatment of patients who are infected with such organisms.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001618:beta-Lactamases