Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases: the European experience

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases mediate resistance to cephalosporin antibiotics and were first discovered in Europe in the early 1980s. They have become a widespread problem, particularly in Klebsiella pneumoniae, but increasingly in non-typhoid Salmonella species. Traditionally, extended-spectrum beta-lactamases have been derivatives of TEM and SHV parent enzymes. The last year, however, has seen an explosion of developments in extended-spectrum beta-lactamases of non-TEM, non-SHV lineage in Europe. The CTX-M type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases have become particularly widespread. At the same time, European clinical microbiology laboratories have become more aware of the pressing need for detection methods given increasing awareness of the lack of reliability of cephalosporins in the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers.