1. Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases in South America.
- Author
-
Villegas, M. V., Kattan, J. N., Quinteros, M. G., and Casellas, J. M.
- Subjects
- *
BETA lactamases , *PSEUDOMONAS , *PSEUDOMONADACEAE , *MICROBIAL enzymes , *COMMUNITY-acquired infections , *MEDICAL care , *METABOLIC disorders , *COMMUNITY health services - Abstract
In South American countries, the class A extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) so far recognised belong to the CTX-M, Pseudomonas Extended Resistance (PER), SHV and TEM families. ESBL rates in South America are among the highest in the world, probably due to multiple factors. SHV- and TEM-type ESBLs have been frequently encountered, but CTX-M is endemic and widely dominant. PER-type ESBLs seem to be restricted to the southern ‘cone’ of South America. Community-acquired ESBLs are starting to appear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF