What Are ESBLs?
Posted By Chris on July 21, 2010
ESBL is the acronym for Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase. It is somewhat complicated; basically, ESBLs are bacteria that produce an enzyme capable of neutralizing the effectiveness of certain classes of Beta-lactam antibiotics such as, carbapenems, cephalosporins and certain penicillin derivatives. The end result is yet another type of antibiotic resistance.
The bacteria are spread in the same way other Multi-drug Resistant Organisms are transmitted and those at highest risk are usually hospitalized patients who have been on extensive antimicrobial therapy and have already compromised immune systems.
What should be done about ESBLs in long-term care? First, determine if there is an existing policy. If so, take it to the Infection Control Committee, review it, update and sign off on it to make it current. If you don’t have a policy for ESBLs, now would be a good time to write one, announce its presence to the staff and educate them to its definition, treatment and potential precautions. Standard Precautions are a good place to start; utilize Transmission Based Precautions as indicated. The following document written by the International Infection Control Council is a good resource. ESBLs
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