To the Editor: Extended-spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes capable of hydrolysing penicillins, broad-spectrum cephalosporins and monobactams. Worldwide, ESBL-producing organisms are posing an increasing challenge for empirical antibiotic use and infection control.
The full article is accessible to AMA
members and paid subscribers.
Login to MJA or subscribe now.
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.
Correspondence: j.denholm@alfred.org.au
- 1. Pitout JD, Laupland KB. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: an emerging public-health concern. Lancet Infect Dis 2008; 8: 159-166.
- 2. Melzer M, Petersen I. Mortality following bacteraemic infection caused by extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli compared to non-ESBL producing E. coli. J Infect 2007; 55: 254-259.
- 3. Kang C-I, Cheong HS, Chung DR, et al. Clinical features and outcome of community-onset bloodstream infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 27: 85-88.
- 4. Paterson DL, Bonomo RA. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases: a clinical update. Clin Microbiol Rev 2005; 18: 657-686.
- 5. Pearson J, Turnidge J, Franklin C, Bell J; Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. Prevalence of antimicrobial resistances in common pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae in Australia, 2004: report from the Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. Commun Dis Intell 2007; 31: 106-112.
Online responses are no longer available. Please refer to our instructions for authors page for more information.