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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
08:06
The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2018
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Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases: Definition, Classification and Epidemiology.
Sobhan Ghafourian1, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, Sara Soheili
1Department of Medical Microbiology and parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|May 14, 2014
Summary
Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes causing antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Understanding ESBL epidemiology is crucial for combating resistant strains, especially in hospitals, to improve patient treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes conferring resistance to key antibiotics like cephalosporins.
- ESBL-producing organisms are a significant cause of antibiotic-resistant infections globally.
- The prevalence of ESBLs is increasing worldwide, posing a major public health challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance understanding of ESBLs and their epidemiological characteristics.
- To highlight the clinical significance of ESBL-producing bacteria in healthcare settings.
- To underscore the urgent need for strategies to combat ESBL prevalence.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on ESBLs.
- The review focuses on the definition, properties, and epidemiology of ESBLs.
- Data on the global prevalence and impact of ESBL-producing organisms were analyzed.
Main Results:
- ESBLs hydrolyze extended-spectrum cephalosporins and related beta-lactam antibiotics.
- ESBL-producing bacteria are increasingly prevalent globally, particularly affecting hospitalized patients.
- Infections caused by ESBL producers often lead to ineffective antibiotic treatments.
Conclusions:
- ESBLs represent a critical threat to effective antibiotic therapy.
- Identifying and controlling ESBL-producing strains is essential for patient care.
- Strategic policy initiatives are urgently needed to mitigate the spread of ESBLs.
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