ESBL (extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase)

Question

My son has CF and has been confronted 2 weeks ago with the diagnosis of ESBL. Do you have any knowledge about CF-patients who got rid of this germ? How dangerous is it for the other members of the family? What about the daily hygiene...flutter, inhalation machine, WC, dishes, etc...
Many thanks for your answer

Answer

Hello,
With ESBL, standing for extended-spectrum-beat-lactamase, a special ability of gram-negative germs is named. Mostly it is Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli or Serratia, which develop such an ability. These germs are then able to build up resistances against certain antibiotics, such as cephalosprines and monobactams and are therefore multiresistant. A sanitation of the airways is not achievable securely. The transfer happens mostly via contaminated hands or also from surfaces in the environment of the patient. The by many CF-centers supported recommendation "no handshake" has to be judged in this context as very sensible and is the first measure to be taken. In the hospital, special hygienic measures are compulsively necessary for patients with ESBL germs, first of all the disinfection of hands, wearing a face mask and the accomodation in seperate single-rooms. The danger is primarily for other CF patients; for healthy contact persons at home there is no risk. Daily hygiene measures have of course to be done by the CF patient. Even without colonization with an ESBL germ the cleaning of the inhalation device and the inhalation aids are part of the standard procedures of CF patients.
Yours sincerely,
Dr.H.Ellemunter

19.11.2009