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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Determining incidence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae, vancomycin-resistant

S K Bouchillon1, B M Johnson, D J Hoban

  • 1Laboratories International for Microbiology Studies, 2122 Palmer Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173-3817, USA. sambouchillon@comcast.net

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|August 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The PEARLS study tracked nosocomial pathogens across Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. It found significant rates of antimicrobial resistance, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production and MRSA.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nosocomial pathogens pose a significant threat to patient safety worldwide.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern, necessitating surveillance.
  • Previous data on resistance patterns in specific regions were limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively monitor selected nosocomial pathogens in multiple countries.
  • To establish baseline data on the prevalence of key resistant determinants.
  • To provide a foundation for future comparative studies on AMR trends.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance of nosocomial pathogens across 38 centers in 16 countries.
  • Laboratory identification and characterization of bacterial isolates, including ESBL production.
  • Molecular techniques (IEF, PCR, DNA sequencing) to confirm resistance mechanisms and identify false positives.

Main Results:

  • Overall extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production rates were 10.5% for Enterobacteriaceae, with significant geographic variation (e.g., Egypt 38.5%, The Netherlands 2.0%).
  • Prevalence of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 32.4% and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) was 8.7%.
  • A 10.7% false-positive rate was identified for ESBL screening in Enterobacter spp. using NCCLS guidelines.

Conclusions:

  • The PEARLS study established crucial baseline data on antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial pathogens.
  • Significant regional differences in resistance rates highlight the need for tailored infection control strategies.
  • Ongoing monitoring is essential to track changes in resistance determinants and inform clinical practice.

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