Extended Spectrum beta Lactamase (ESBL) Risk Factors in ICU Patients

Patient selection: adults admitted to medical ICU

Method of detection of ESBL producing Enterobacteria: rectal swab on admission

Risk factors for colonization:

(1) transfer from another ICU

(2) history of hospital admission in another country

(3) history of surgery within the past year

(4) history of prior therapy with a third generation cephalosporin within the 3 to 12 months prior to ICU admission

(5) history of neurologic disease

While 15% of patients were found to be colonized with ESBL-producing Enterobacteria on admission to the ICU, relatively few developed an infection by an ESBL-producing bacteria. These patients can serve to contaminate the ICU and other patients.