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Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Risk factors for emergence of resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins among Enterobacter spp
K S Kaye1, S Cosgrove, A Harris
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
Among 477 patients with susceptible Enterobacter spp., 49 subsequently harbored third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacter spp. Broad-spectrum cephalosporins were independent risk factors for resistance (relative risk [OR] = 2.3, P = 0.01); quinolone therapy was protective (OR = 0.4, P = 0.03). There were trends toward decreased risk for resistance among patients receiving broad-spectrum cephalosporins and either aminoglycosides or imipenem. Of the patients receiving broad-spectrum cephalosporins, 19% developed resistance.
Insights
Broad-spectrum cephalosporins increased the risk of developing third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacter spp. infections. Quinolone therapy, however, showed a protective effect against this resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Enterobacter species are opportunistic pathogens.
- The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health concern.
- Third-generation cephalosporins are commonly used antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with the development of third-generation cephalosporin resistance in Enterobacter spp.
- To evaluate the impact of different antibiotic classes on resistance development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 477 patients with susceptible Enterobacter spp. infections.
- Statistical analysis to determine risk factors and protective effects of antibiotic therapies.
Main Results:
- 49 out of 477 patients developed third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacter spp.
- Broad-spectrum cephalosporins were identified as an independent risk factor (OR = 2.3, P = 0.01).
- Quinolone therapy demonstrated a protective effect (OR = 0.4, P = 0.03).
Conclusions:
- Broad-spectrum cephalosporin use is linked to increased resistance in Enterobacter spp.
- Quinolone therapy may help mitigate the development of this resistance.
- Combination therapy with aminoglycosides or imipenem showed a trend toward decreased resistance risk.
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