Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that confer resistance to a broad range of β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. These enzymes pose significant challenges in clinical settings due to their ability to spread resistance genes and limit treatment options for infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases

ESBLs

β-lactam antibiotics are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that include penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams, characterized by the presence of a β-lactam ring in their molecular structure. They work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making them highly effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but their efficacy can be compromised by bacterial β-lactamase enzymes that confer resistance.

Β-lactam Antibiotics

Penicillins are a group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi, effective against many bacterial infections by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. They are widely used due to their efficacy and low toxicity, but resistance has become a significant challenge in clinical settings.

Penicillins

Cephalosporins are a class of β-lactam antibiotics originally derived from the fungus Acremonium, effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They are grouped into generations based on their antimicrobial properties, with later generations generally offering broader spectrum activity and greater resistance to β-lactamases.

Cephalosporins

Resistance genes are genetic sequences that provide organisms, particularly bacteria, with the ability to withstand the effects of antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents. These genes can be naturally occurring or acquired through horizontal gene transfer, and their presence poses significant challenges to public health by contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.

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