Epidemiology of Enterobacteriaceae producing CTX-M type extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)

Over the past 20 years, some Enterobacteriaceae mainly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis have demonstrated acquisition of plasmids secreting ESBL. CTX-M type ESBL have been isolated worldwide and their incidence has increased dramatically and is still increasing leading to a major therapeutic issue. Currently more than 150 allelic variants of CTX-M have been identified. These enzymes are classified in five major phylogenetic groups based on their gene sequences: CTX-M -1, CTX-M-2, CTX-M-8, CTX-M-9, CTX-M-25; two additional groups have been reported recently: CTX-M-74 and CTX-M-75. The important dissemination of these enzymes has led to an increased use of carbapenems. Their global community and nosocomial dissemination is often associated with a virulent E. coli clone ST131 producing CTX-M-15.