Abstract

Multi-drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) have emerged in the communities and hospitals. Because β-lactamases are bacterial enzymes that hydrolyze β-lactamring in antibiotics, cephalosporins are not usually effective. Most ESBLs can be divided into three groups: TEM, SHV, and CTX-M. Recently, AmpC β-lactamase is included in this category. The clinical significance of ESBL bacteria is well known. Initially, ESBL bacteria exhibitmulti-drug resistance, such as co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, gentamicin, and fluroquinolone, as well as broad-spectrum cephalosporins. In addition, they can be transmitted to other places andother people. Moreover, inappropriate empirical therapy to urinary tract infection secondary to ESBL bacteria is usually associated with higher mortality. For these reasons, gram-negative pathogens that produce ESBLs remain an important cause oftherapy failure with newly developed cephalosporins, and incur serious complications and have consequences in infection control in the community. Consequently, it is an urgent issue to understand the characteristics of ESBL bacteria to minimize their spread and to treat ESBL associated urinary tract infection. We herein review the clinical significances of ESBL bacteria in urinary tract infection.

• Keywords: ESBL, Urinary tract infection