Defining an extended-spectrum β-lactamase

David M. Livermore*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    161 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The term 'extended-spectrum β-lactamase' (ESBL), initially' extended-broad-spectrum β-lactamase', was first coined for derivatives of TEM and SHV enzymes able to hydrolyse oxyimino-cephalosporins. These all belonged to β-lactamase functional group 2be. Subsequently, the term has been stretched to include: (i) enzymes with spectra similar to those of TEM and SHV mutants but derived from other sources, e.g., the CTX-M and VEB types; (ii) TEM and SHV mutants with borderline ESBL activity, e.g., TEM-12; and (iii) various β-lactamases conferring wider resistance than their parent types but not meeting the definition for group 2be, e.g., OXA derivatives and mutant AmpC types with increased activity against cefepime. It seems best-and pragmatic-that the term 'ESBL' retains its broad modern usage, but that should always be accompanied by mention of the enzyme's family as, e.g., in 'TEM ESBL' or 'OXA ESBL', not as a sole moniker.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3-10
    Number of pages8
    JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection
    Volume14
    Issue numberSUPPL. 1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2008

    Keywords

    • CTX-M
    • Classification
    • ESBL
    • Extended-spectrum β-lactamase
    • Review
    • SHV
    • TEM
    • β-Lactamases

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