Plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum β-lactamases in organisms other than Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli: A hidden reservoir of transferable resistance genes

Resistance due to AmpC β-lactamases and ESBLs in gramnegative bacillary pathogens is a growing and important problem and is tied to extensive use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins The emergence of these β-lactamases is then amplified by spread of resistant clones or resistant genes among patients within institutions or among patients who move between institutions within a region. Genes encoding β-lactamases are frequently linked to resistance genes for other classes of antibiotics. Thus, use of any one class of antibiotic may select for emergence of resistance to another. Treatment of infections caused by these multidrug-resistant pathogens is often problematic. One strategy to circumvent β-lactamase production has been use of β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, but AmpC β-lactamases and hyperproduction of ESBLs evade this therapeutic strategy. Use of carbapenems and cefepime, which are the most stable of all β-lactam antibiotics to hydrolysis by ESBLs and AmpC β-lactamases, can be expected eventually to select for emergence of resistance to these drugs as well.