Learning About ESBL Infection

What is an ESBL infection?

ESBL stands for extended spectrum beta-lactamase. It's an enzyme found in some strains of bacteria. ESBL-producing bacteria can't be killed by many of the antibiotics that doctors commonly use to treat infections, like penicillins and some cephalosporins. This makes it harder to treat.

An ESBL infection can be in any part of the body, including blood, organs, skin, and sites where surgery was done.

There are many ways the infection can be spread. The most common ways are by touching a person or thing that has the bacteria on it. The infection is more likely to spread in a hospital. For some people, especially those who have a weakened immune system or other health conditions, an ESBL infection can be serious.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of an ESBL infection are similar to other infections. Which symptoms you have will depend on where the infection is. For example, if the infection is in:

• The skin, that area may be red or tender.
• The urinary tract, you may have back pain, a burning sensation when you urinate, or a need to urinate more often than usual.
• The lungs, you may have a cough and trouble breathing.

You may also:

• Have fever and chills.
• Have diarrhea.
• Feel weak and tired.

How is an ESBL infection treated?

Your doctor will give you special antibiotics to treat the infection. Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Taking only some of the medicine may cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria to develop.

You may have to stay in the hospital for treatment.

How can you prevent the spread of an ESBL infection?

If you have an ESBL infection in the hospital:

• Your doctor may want to keep you away from others to reduce the chances of spreading the infection. You may be in a special room, called an isolation room. Visitors may be limited to prevent the infection from being carried outside your room. Children, anyone who is pregnant, and people who have a weakened immune system or other health conditions might not be allowed into the room. That's because they can be more likely to get a serious infection.
• Everyone who comes in the room will need to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Clean hands help stop infections from spreading.
• Visitors and caregivers may have to use disposable gloves, wear a gown, and maybe wear a mask. This helps prevent the infection from spreading.

Practice good hygiene to prevent infections

• Wash your hands with soap and water. Handwashing is the best way to avoid spreading germs.
• You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you use sanitizer, rub your hands and fingers until they are dry. You don't need to use water. The alcohol quickly kills many types of germs on your hands.
• Cover any cuts or other wounds with bandages. Do this until they heal.
• Do not share towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or other items that touched a wound or bandage. Wash your sheets, towels, and clothes with warm water and detergent. Dry them in a hot dryer, if you can.
• Keep shared areas clean. Use a disinfectant to wipe surfaces that other people touch. These include countertops, doorknobs, and light switches.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.