Asymptomatic ESBL carriagein Southern Finland

Ryhmien välisiä eroja on tarkasteltu Fisherin testillä.

FQ = fluorokinoloni, TMP = sulfatrimetopriimi,AG = aminoglykosidi

BACKGROUND The knowledge of carrier prevalence is crucial when updating recommendations on treatment and prevention of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria.

METHODS In the multinational NoDARS study healthy students and outpatients provided a fecal sample and answered a questionnaire. The samples were cultured for ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

RESULTS An ESBL or AmpC producing strain was found in 6.8% of the study subjects. Antimicrobial treatment and travel abroad were identified as risk factors for ESBL/AmpC carriage, but not work on a livestock farm or in healthcare. Altogether 157 E. coli and 32 K. pneumoniae strains were detected. Of the E. coli strains 16.6% (26/157) were resistant to trimethoprim, 3.2% (5/157) to gentamicin, 3.2% (5/157) to fluoroquinolones, and none to meropenem. Of the K. pneumoniae strains 6.3% (2/32) were resistant to trimethoprim but none to gentamicin, fluoroquinolones or meropenem.

CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of ESBL producing bacteria was higher than previously found in Finland. Antimicrobial treatment and travel abroad were identified as risk factors for ESBL/AmpC carriage.