Abstract
Over the last few decades, various extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), which are remotely related to the classical TEM and SHV families, have emerged. Among these, CTX-M, VEB and PER variants are of particular interest due to their widespread dissemination. This article will focus on these emerging ESBLs. CTX-M was first identified from an Escherichia coli strain in Germany and since then, a rapidly growing family of ESBLs has formed worldwide. There are now more than 90 CTX-M variants. VEB-1 ESBL is widespread in Southeast Asia. It was first identified in an E. coli strain isolated from a Vietnamese boy in 1996. After the initial discovery, it spread to other species. PER-1, now reported from various continents, was restricted to Turkish hospitals for years after the first identification in a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 1993. The worldwide dissemination of ESBLs is a healthcare crisis that deserves special attention.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.