Detection of enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum β lactamases

The term “ESBL” is used to mean acquired class A β-lactamases that hydrolyse and (usually) confer resistance to oxyimino- ‘2nd and 3rd generation’ cephalosporins, e.g. cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, but not cephamycins or carbapenems eg cefoxitin.

ESBLs are not the only β-lactamases to confer resistance to cephalosporins while sparing carbapenems, but are the most important. Moreover, as plasmid-mediated enzymes, they have great potential for spread. They occur mostly in Enterobacteriaceae (e.g. E. coli, Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species).

The U.K. government has posted a consultation document. The document asks for feedback in relation to the SMI B 59: detection of enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum β lactamases.

The document can be accessed here.

Posted by Tim Sandle