Cross-class resistance to non-beta-lactam antimicrobials in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

Am J Clin Pathol. 2003 Aug;120(2):265-7. doi: 10.1309/EF69-VNDL-VPWV-E4QV.

Abstract

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases are modified beta-lactamase enzymes that impart resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and make all beta-lactam antibiotics and cephalosporins useless for therapy. We compared the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and non-ESBL-producing isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The ESBL producers had significantly diminished susceptibility compared with the non-ESBL producers for gentamicin (P < .001), tobramycin (P < .001), amikacin (P < .005), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (P < .01), ciprofloxacin (P < .001), and nitrofurantoin (P < .001). All isolates were susceptible to imipenem. ESBL-producing K pneumoniae may also be resistant to non-beta-lactam antibiotics. Therefore, susceptibility testing of these isolates is critical for guiding therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / drug effects*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / enzymology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • beta-Lactam Resistance / physiology*
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis*
  • beta-Lactams

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactams
  • beta-Lactamases