title: Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases: Definition, Classification and Epidemiology.
abstract: Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are defined as enzymes produced by certain bacteria that are able to hydrolyze extended spectrum cephalosporin. They are therefore effective against beta-lactam antibiotics such as ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and oxyimino-monobactam. The objective of the current review is to provide a better understanding of ESBL and the epidemiology of ESBL producing organisms which are among those responsible for antibiotic resistant strains. Globally, ESBLs are considered to be problematic, particularly in hospitalized patients. There is an increasing frequency of ESBL in different parts of the world. The high risk patients are those contaminated with ESBL producer strains as it renders treatment to be ineffective in these patients. Thus, there an immediate needs to identify EBSL and formulate strategic policy initiatives to reduce their prevalence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Sobhan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghafourian
authors.forename: Nourkhoda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sadeghifard
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soheili
authors.forename: Zamberi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sekawi
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D047090:beta-Lactams / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D047090:beta-Lactams; D001618:beta-Lactamases