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The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2018
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESbLs): characterization, epidemiology and detection
1Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. aamerali2000@hotmail.com
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|May 1, 2004
Summary
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in Enterobacteriaceae are a major cause of antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment. Laboratory detection methods are crucial for identifying these transferable, plasmid-mediated enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Beta-lactamases are key mechanisms of Enterobacteriaceae resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.
- Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are plasmid-mediated, transferable enzymes conferring resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.
- ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae cause global outbreaks and present significant infection control challenges due to multidrug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of ESBLs in Enterobacteriaceae.
- To highlight the clinical importance and spread of ESBL-producing organisms.
- To discuss laboratory methods for ESBL detection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of beta-lactamase mechanisms and ESBLs.
- Discussion of clinical implications and epidemiology of ESBLs.
- Overview of laboratory diagnostic techniques for ESBL detection.
Main Results:
- ESBLs are clinically significant due to their plasmid-mediated, transferable nature.
- ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae are resistant to most beta-lactam drugs, except carbapenems and cephamycins.
- Nursing home patients and ambulatory patients with chronic conditions may harbor ESBL-producing organisms.
Conclusions:
- ESBLs represent a critical challenge in managing bacterial infections.
- Effective infection control practices and judicious antibiotic use are essential to curb the spread of ESBLs.
- Accurate laboratory detection of ESBLs is vital for appropriate patient management and treatment selection.
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