Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Bacteria From Urine Isolates in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, are a growing problem. The primary objective of this study was to describe the proportion of children with ESBL-producing urinary isolates at a tertiary medical center as well as these organisms' susceptibility patterns. The secondary objective was to identify the risk factors for acquiring ESBL urinary pathogens.

METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated a cohort of children with ESBL urinary isolates, admitted to a tertiary children's hospital during a 6-year period. The proportion of patients with an ESBL-producing urinary isolate among all patients who grew a Gram-negative isolate is described together with the organism's susceptibility pattern. Patients with non-ESBL Gram-negative urinary organisms were used as a control group for identifying patient risk factors for ESBL.

RESULTS: A total of 7.8% (29 of 370) of patients in our cohort grew Gram-negative urinary isolates with an ESBL strain. Most of the ESBL organisms isolated were sensitive to carbapenems (100% of ESBL organisms susceptible to ertapenem and 93.8% susceptible to meropenem) and amikacin (92.3% of ESBL organisms susceptible). Patients with longer hospitalization, recent antibiotic use, and recent intensive care unit admission were found to be at increased risk for ESBL organisms in the urine.

CONCLUSIONS: When selecting empiric antibiotic therapy for suspected urinary tract infection in children, it may be prudent to consider the risk factors identified for acquiring an ESBL urinary pathogen.