Abstract
Background: Widespread prevalence of extended-spectrum βeta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-producing E. coli) limits the infection therapeutic options and is a growing global health problem. In this study our aim was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of the E. coli in hospitalized and out-patients in Cyprus.Results: During the period 2010–2014, 389 strains of E. coli were isolated from urine samples of hospitalized and out-patients in Cyprus. ESBL-producing E. coli, was observed in 53% of hospitalized and 44% in out-patients, latest one being in 2014. All ESBL-producing E. coli remained susceptible to amikacin, carbapenems except ertapenem (in-patients = 6%, out-patients = 11%).Conclusion: High emerging ESBL-producing E. coli from urine samples in hospitalized and out-patients is an extremely worrisome sign of development of untreatable infections in the near future on the island. We therefore emphasize the immediate need for establishment of optimal therapy guidelines based on the country specific surveillance programs. The need for new treatment strategies, urgent prescription habit changes and ban of over-the-counter sale of antimicrobials at each segment of healthcare services is also discussed in this research.
Highlights
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) called cystitis is one of the most common bacterial infection in humans and Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes the vast majority of UTIs worldwide (Picozzi et al, 2014)
The prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli was found to be relatively higher in hospitalized patients than out-patients during the last four years in urine culture isolates
The UTIs rate caused by ESBL-producing E. coli among hospitalized patients increased from 36% in 2010–2011 to 53% in 2014 with a significant rise of up to 71% in 2013 (p < 0.001)
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) called cystitis is one of the most common bacterial infection in humans and Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes the vast majority of UTIs worldwide (Picozzi et al, 2014). UTI-causing bacteria is becoming more resistant to available antimicrobials with the increased incidence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) since its first detection in1980s in Germany, shortly after the use of the oxyimino β-lactam drugs (Rice et al, 1990; Livermore and Hawkey, 2005). In this study our aim was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of the E. coli in hospitalized and out-patients in Cyprus. Results: During the period 2010–2014, 389 strains of E. coli were isolated from urine samples of hospitalized and out-patients in Cyprus. ESBL-producing E. coli, was observed in 53% of hospitalized and 44% in out-patients, latest one being in 2014. Conclusion: High emerging ESBL-producing E. coli from urine samples in hospitalized and out-patients is an extremely worrisome sign of development of untreatable infections in the near future on the island. The need for new treatment strategies, urgent prescription habit changes and ban of over-the-counter sale of antimicrobials at each segment of healthcare services is discussed in this research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
