Rapid Increase in Carriage Rates of Enterobacteriaceae Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Healthy Preschool Children, Sweden.

Johan Kaarme,Hong Yin,Åsa Melhus,Hilde Riedel,Tryggve Nevéus,Wesley Schaal

doi:10.3201/eid2410.171842

Abstract

By collecting and analyzing diapers, we identified a >6-fold increase in carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae for healthy preschool children in Sweden (p<0.0001). For 6 of the 50 participating preschools, the carriage rate was >40%. We analyzed samples from 334 children and found 56 containing >1 ESBL producer. The prevalence in the study population increased from 2.6% in 2010 to 16.8% in 2016 (p<0.0001), and for 6 of the 50 participating preschools, the carriage rate was >40%. Furthermore, 58% of the ESBL producers were multidrug resistant, and transmission of ESBL-producing and non–ESBL-producing strains was observed at several of the preschools. Toddlers appear to be major carriers of ESBL producers in Sweden.

Highlights

By collecting and analyzing diapers, we identified a >6-fold increase in carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae for healthy preschool children in Sweden (p
In 2010, we conducted a study on fecal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae for healthy preschool children in Sweden and reported a prevalence of 2.6% [11]
Recent studies conducted in other countries have indicated diversified but sometimes high prevalence and spread of ESBL producers, in which daycare centers have been suggested to constitute possible reservoirs [12,13]

Summary

Introduction

By collecting and analyzing diapers, we identified a >6-fold increase in carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae for healthy preschool children in Sweden (p

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Conclusion