Minor extended-spectrum β-lactamases

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes conferring bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
• Classical ESBL families like TEM and SHV are well-documented.
• Emerging ESBLs, particularly CTX-M, VEB, and PER variants, show increasing global prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emergence and dissemination of specific emerging ESBLs.
• To highlight the clinical significance and global spread of CTX-M, VEB, and PER variants.
• To underscore the healthcare crisis posed by widespread ESBLs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on emerging ESBLs.
• Analysis of reported cases and geographic distribution of CTX-M, VEB, and PER variants.
• Synthesis of information on the evolution and spread of these enzymes.

Main Results:

• The CTX-M family has rapidly expanded, with over 90 variants identified worldwide.
• VEB-1 ESBL is prevalent in Southeast Asia, first identified in 1996.
• PER-1 ESBL, first identified in 1993, has spread globally from Turkish hospitals.

Conclusions:

• Emerging ESBLs like CTX-M, VEB, and PER represent a growing threat to antibiotic efficacy.
• The widespread dissemination of these enzymes necessitates global surveillance and intervention strategies.
• Addressing the ESBL crisis is crucial for public health and effective infectious disease management.