Incidence of community-onset extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections: an 11-year population-based study in Denmark

Abstract

Background: Data elucidating trends of community-onset extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections remain sparse in low prevalence areas. We conducted a population-based study to determine the incidence, temporal trends and co-resistance of community-onset ESBL infections.

Methods: We identified all recorded episodes of E. coli and K. pneumoniae bacteraemia and urinary tract infections in adult patients (>15 years) in the North Denmark Region between 2007–2017. Using population-based registries, we obtained information on demographics and place of acquisition, and investigated the standardized incidence rates and temporal trends of community-onset ESBL infections and the associated patterns of co-resistance.

Results: A total of 3741 episodes of community-onset ESBL E. coli or K. pneumoniae infections were observed during the study period, with the annual standardized incidence rate increasing from 7.5 to 105 per 100,000 person-years between 2007–2017. The increase was conveyed primarily by a rise in E. coli urinary tract infections shifting from being mainly healthcare-associated to community-acquired. ESBL-producing isolates increased from 0.5 to 4.0% with considerable co-resistance.

Conclusion: The proportion of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates producing ESBL have increased considerably in the North Denmark Region. The increasing incidence and frequent co-resistance should raise awareness among physicians responsible for empirical antibiotic treatment.

Keywords:

• Extended-spectrum β-lactamase
• Escherichia coli
• bacteraemia
• urinary tract infection
• incidence
• population

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).