ESBL Infection

What is ESBL Infection

ESBL is an enzyme that is made by some types of bacteria. This enzyme breaks down some antibiotic medicines, making them unable to kill the bacteria or treat the infection.

The two most common types of bacteria that make ESBL in the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract, or GI tract) are E. coliand Klebsiella. These types of bacteria help break down food so it can be used by the body for energy.

Normally, they do not cause infection unless there are too many bacteria, or unless the bacteria travel to other parts of the body where they are not normally found.

ESBL infections are hard to treat. Bacteria that make ESBL are sometimes called “super bugs” because they are very hard to get rid of. Lab tests must be done to find the type of ESBL bacteria that is causing the infection and the right antibiotic medicine that will treat it.

What increases my risk of an ESBL infection?

You may be more likely to develop an ESBL infection if you:

• Are currently or have recently been a patient in a hospital, nursing home, or another care facility.
• Have another illness or a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system).
• Have drains or tubes placed in your body.
• Have used antibiotics in the past.
• Have sores or open wounds.

How do I get an ESBL infection?

ESBL bacteria can live outside the body on the skin or other surfaces. People who are infected with ESBL bacteria may shed the bacteria in their stool or body fluids such as urine or blood. These bacteria can be spread to surfaces such as bed linens, medical equipment, countertops, and bathroom fixtures. The bacteria can also be spread by direct contact when health care providers touch skin or body fluids that are infected.

How is an ESBL infection diagnosed?

You may have an exam or lab testing. You may have a blood, urine, or stool sample taken. Samples can be looked at under a microscope by trained health care providers who can identify the type of bacteria that is growing in the sample. These samples can also be tested to see if certain antibiotic medicines can kill the bacteria.

Can ESBL infections be treated?

ESBL infections can be treated after the right antibiotic medicine is found that can kill the bacteria. Antibiotic medicines may be given at home or in the hospital. Some antibiotic medicine can be taken by mouth, and others need to be given through an IV.

What are some things that hospitals are doing to prevent ESBL infections?

To prevent the spread of ESBL infections, health care providers will:

• Wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before they enter your room and before they leave your room.
• Clean and disinfect your room and the medical equipment that is being used for your care.
• Put a sign on your door to let visitors and health care providers know to use contact precautions when they care for you. This means health care providers will:
  • Put you in a private room.
  • Put on a gown with long sleeves and wear gloves when they care for you, then remove the gloves and gown before leaving your room.
  • Ask your visitors to wear a gown and gloves, if the visitors plan to help care for you.
  • Ask your visitors to wash or sanitize their hands before entering and before leaving your room.
  • Ask you not to leave your room to visit other areas of the hospital.

What can I do to help prevent ESBL infections?

You can help to prevent the spread of ESBL bacteria by:

• Reminding health care providers, cleaning staff, and visitors to wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before they enter your room and before they leave your room.
• Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your health care provider.
• Washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after:
  • Using the bathroom.
  • Touching or coming in contact with your stool or body fluids.
  • Touching medical equipment or surfaces that may have come in contact with your stool or body fluids.
  • Touching or caring for wounds or open sores.
  • Touching or caring for tubes or drains that are placed in your body.

Can my visitors get ESBL?

Visitors are at risk for infection if they come in contact with unclean surfaces or equipment, or with your stool or body fluids while in your room. The risk of infection is higher if visitors then touch openings in their own bodies, such as their mouth or a sore. Doing that can allow the bacteria to enter their bodies. Casual contact, such as hugging or touching, will not spread ESBL.

Summary

• ESBL is an enzyme that is made by some types of bacteria.
• ESBL infections are hard to treat. Lab tests must be done to find the type of ESBL bacteria that is causing the infection and the right antibiotic medicine that will treat it.
• Bacteria that make ESBL are sometimes called “super bugs” because they are very hard to get rid of.
• One of the best ways to stop the spread of infection with ESBL is to wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after using the bathroom.