Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to provide you with general information about ESBL- producing bacteria.
What is an ESBL?
Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase ( ESBL) are enzymes that are produced by certain groups of bacteria.
These enzymes become resistant to certain antibiotics. The two main bacteria that produce ESBL’s are Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella species.
How are ESBL- producing bacteria spread?
ESBL are transmitted by direct contact (person to person), through poor hand hygiene, or via indirect contact from infected equipment or the environment.
They can be found in both community and hospital settings.
Are some people more at risk than others?
People at risk of developing ESBL infections are those with underlying medical conditions, who are already unwell, and elderly people.
Most of the infections occur in patients in hospital with urinary catheters, patients who have been on antibiotic therapy, and those patients who have had a lot of medical care.
How might they affect me?
These bacteria can usually be found in the bowel and live there without causing any harm. This is known as ‘colonisation’.
If you are colonised, you will not require any treatment with antibiotics. Sometimes however, these bacteria may transfer to other areas and cause you to have an infection.
Infections from ESBL-producing bacteria occur mainly in the urinary tract, but may also infect chests, wounds and your blood stream.
Is it treatable?
If you have been identified as having an ESBL bacterial infection you will receive antibiotic therapy as directed by your clinician.
You may receive these orally or intravenously directly into your blood stream.
What will happen to me now?
You may be transferred to a single room in order to reduce the risk of infection to other patients. Hospital staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and apron while providing patient care.
Good hand hygiene is essential. Hand washing should be undertaken with soap and water or decontaminated with hand sanitiser.
Prevention of infection is everyone’s responsibility, including staff, visitors and patients.
What about my visitors?
ESBL producing bacteria do not pose a risk to otherwise healthy adults or children.
Visitors may be asked to wear a disposable apron and gloves if assisting you with your personal care. Visitors will be asked to wash their hands on entry and exit to the ward and after leaving your immediate environment.
Will I have to stay in hospital?
You do not have to stay in hospital until the ESBL-producing bacteria has cleared. You will be sent home when your general condition allows, regardless of whether you are still positive for ESBL.
What happens when I go home?
When you go home you are advised to maintain a clean home environment and good personal hygiene. The infection won’t affect your family or friends when you are at home. Restricting activities or visitors is not necessary.
Most of you questions should have been answered within this leaflet. If you have been treated for an ESBL-producing bacteria previously and you develop similar symptoms contact your GP.
Reference
PHE (2014). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs): guidance, data, analysis
The diagnosis, management and surveillance of extended- spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).
www.gov.uk/government/collections/extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases-esbls-guidance-data-analysis
Date of Review: June 2023
Date of Next Review: June 2025
Ref No: PI_C_413 (NCA)