Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that make them resistant to many common antibiotics, especially penicillins and cephalosporins. These enzymes break down these antibiotics, rendering them ineffective and making infections harder to treat. Bacteria with ESBLs can cause serious infections, primarily in hospitals or healthcare settings. To combat ESBL-producing bacteria, doctors often use stronger or different antibiotics, but their presence highlights the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the importance of responsible antibiotic use and infection control.