Prevalence and Risk Factors of Fecal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum [Beta]-Lactamase (Esbl)-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Hospitalized and Ambulatory Children/ Cocuklarda Genisletilmis Spektrumlu Beta Laktamaz Ureten Enterobacteriaceae Fekal Tasiyiciligi Prevalansi Ve Risk Faktorleri (Original Investigation / Ozgun Arastirma) (Report‪)‬

Introduction Extended-spectrum [beta]-lactamases (ESBLs) are a heterogeneous group of plasmid mediated bacterial enzymes that can hydrolyze oxymino-[beta]-lactams and are responsible for bacterial resistance against extended-spectrum [beta]-lactam antibiotics. Production of ESBL was first described in K. pneumoniae isolates in 1983. Especially with the excessive worldwide use of cephalosporins, the incidence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae is markedly elevated (1,2). These organisms are major nosocomial pathogens, which cause urinary tract infections, bacteremia or intra-abdominal infections. Because of the cross-resistance that they show to other groups of antibiotics, few antimicrobial agents are available as therapeutic options for these infections (3). At the same time, they are important community-acquired urinary pathogens, and their spread in the community is an unique public health problem (2). Use of Carbapenems, which are still effective against ESBL-producing microorganisms, has been associated with a low risk of mortality in cases of serious infections caused by these pathogens (4-6).