Esbl (Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase) Infections - An Emerging Problem in Children

 Though various phenotypic ESBL detection methods have been described, implementation of highly sensitive and specific methods in resource-limited areas is challenging yet. Infections caused by ESBL- or plasmid-mediated AmpCproducing Enterobacteriaceae are often treated by carbapenems (e.g., ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem) which are antimicrobials of last resort and crucial for the management of life-threatening health care-associated infections. However, due to recent emergence and spread of imipenem/meropenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae throughout the world, clinical utility of this group of antibiotics is under threat. Production of carbapenemases that are capable of hydrolyzing the carbapenems and loss of outer membrane proteins are major mechanisms through which Enterobacteriaceae develop resistance against this group of drugs (8). The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of ESBL-producing organism.