Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Bacteria From Urine Isolates in Children

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, are a growing problem. The primary objective of this study was to describe the proportion of children with ESBL-producing urinary isolates at a tertiary medical center as well as these organisms' susceptibility patterns. The secondary objective was to identify the risk factors for acquiring ESBL urinary pathogens.

This retrospective study evaluated a cohort of children with ESBL urinary isolates, admitted to a tertiary children's hospital during a 6-year period. The proportion of patients with an ESBL-producing urinary isolate among all patients who grew a Gram-negative isolate is described together with the organism's susceptibility pattern. Patients with non-ESBL Gram-negative urinary organisms were used as a control group for identifying patient risk factors for ESBL.

A total of 7.8% (29 of 370) of patients in our cohort grew Gram-negative urinary isolates with an ESBL strain. Most of the ESBL organisms isolated were sensitive to carbapenems (100% of ESBL organisms susceptible to ertapenem and 93.8% susceptible to meropenem) and amikacin (92.3% of ESBL organisms susceptible). Patients with longer hospitalization, recent antibiotic use, and recent intensive care unit admission were found to be at increased risk for ESBL organisms in the urine.

When selecting empiric antibiotic therapy for suspected urinary tract infection in children, it may be prudent to consider the risk factors identified for acquiring an ESBL urinary pathogen.