Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)?
ESBL is an enzyme made by some bacteria. The enzyme prevents certain antibiotics from being able to kill the bacteria. The bacteria then become resistant to the antibiotics. This means stronger antibiotics must be used to kill the bacteria. ESBL infections usually occur in the urinary tract, lungs, skin, blood, or abdomen. ESBL infections are serious and can be life-threatening.
How is ESBL spread?
- ESBL can live on surfaces such as doorknobs or toilets. Bacteria that produce ESBL can be spread to surfaces that are touched by someone who has contact with the bacteria.
- You can breathe in the bacteria through droplets when a person with an ESBL infection coughs or sneezes nearby.
What increases my risk of infection with ESBL?
Bacteria that produce ESBL live in your bowel and other parts of your body. When your immune system is weak, the risk for ESBL infection increases. The following may weaken your immune system and increase your infection risk:
- Long-term medical treatment in a hospital or long-term care facility
- Recent or long-term antibiotic treatment
- An IV, urinary catheter, or breathing tube that becomes contaminated
- An injury with an open wound, such as a surgical wound or severe burn
- A long-term medical condition, such as diabetes or cystic fibrosis
- A weakened immune system
How is ESBL diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your health conditions and the medicines you take. Tell your provider about any recent hospital stays or surgeries. Samples of your blood, urine, bowel movement, or wounds may be taken. These samples are tested for infection. Other people who have been in contact with you may also be tested for ESBL.
How is ESBL treated?
Treatment may require hospital stays and long-term follow-up care. Any delay in treatment can worsen the infection. Healthcare providers will do tests to find which antibiotics still work against the bacteria that are causing your infection. Several kinds of antibiotics may need to be tried. You may be given 2 or more antibiotics at the same time. Your provider may ask if you received antibiotics within the past month. You may need different antibiotics to lower the risk for resistance.
How can I help prevent the spread of ESBL?
You may be moved to a private room if you are in a healthcare setting. Healthcare providers and visitors may wear gowns and gloves during your care. Everyone must wash their hands before and after they leave your room. You can help prevent the spread of ESBL at home by doing the following:
- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Use soap and water every time. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Clean surfaces. Clean doorknobs, tables, and toilets often. Ask your provider what kind of cleaner to use.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use tissues or a cloth. Throw away the tissue after you use it. Use the bend of your arm if you do not have a tissue.
- Prevent another infection. Stay at least 3 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
- Take antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking your antibiotic, even if you start to feel better. The infection may return if you do not take all of your antibiotic. Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed. Do not take antibiotics when you do not need them. Do not share antibiotics or take other people's antibiotic medicine. Overuse of antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in your body.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. Get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually starting in September or October. Get a COVID-19 vaccine and recommended booster doses. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you also need other vaccines, and when to get them.
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Further information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta , GA 30333
Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever, even after 3 days of antibiotic treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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