Living with ESBLs

摘要

beta-Lactams remain the most flexible antibiotic class, owing to their versatility and diversity in terms of chemical properties, antibacterial spectra and administration schedules. The major threat for these compounds is the ever-growing diversification and proliferation of beta-lactamases. Among more than 350 different beta-lactamases identified, almost one-third of them are able to hydrolyse broad-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam, although many of these are minor variants of a few major types.