UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
LIFE SCIENCE RESEARCH SEMINARS
Web: http://www.um.edu.mt/events/scisem/
Email: scisem@um.edu.mt
Abstract form
Title: Prevalence and risk factors of Extended spectrum Beta-lactamase
(ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in Mater Dei hospital.
Presenter: Cassandra Sturgeon
Contact address: cstur84@gmail.com
Tel: 99867821
Fax:
Email: cstur84@gmail.com
Presentation date: Monday, 5th May, 2014
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an international challenge, which results in lengthier hospitalization
and increases mortality rates (Topaloglu et al, 2010). Extended–spectrum beta–lactamase
(ESBL) ascends by formation of mutations in genes of β–lactamases TEM-1/-2 and SHV-1,
in Gram negative bacteria, mainly Enterobacteriaceae. This mutation in the pathogen causes
broad spectrum antibiotic resistance (Aysha et al, 2011).
Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) Enterobacteriacae are Gram negative
opportunistic bacteria that have evolved multiple resistances to several antibiotics causing
significant problems in health care financing and to the patient’s wellbeing.
Routine surveillance suggests that ESBL prevalence in patients receiving tertiary hospital
care in Malta is increasing. However a concurrent increase has also been identified in
Enterobacteriaceae isolates from the community. It is not clear whether the nosocomial
epidemiology is the result of patients being admitted to hospital carrying these resistant
organisms or else healthcare associated acquisition.
The aim is of this study is to identify the prevalence of ESBL in patients admitted to Mater
Dei Hospital, the level of nosocomial acquisition and the role of antibiotic use as risk factors.
The data will prove invaluable to inform infection control professionals to adopt more
effective preventative strategies.