Acquisition of ESBL-Producing E. coli During Travel

About one third of travelers acquired extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing bacteria, but most were of low pathogenicity, and no clinical infections occurred up to 26 months later.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli (EPE) have relatively high prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in India and in Southeast Asia, but are only rarely found in northern European countries. It is well known that residents of countries with low EPE prevalence can be colonized with EPE during international travel. But what are the clinical consequences? To answer this question, researchers in Stockholm, Sweden, screened 188 individuals for EPE gut colonization both before and after travel to regions with high EPE prevalence.

Thirteen participants (7%) were identified as already EPE-colonized before travelling and excluded. Among the 175 pre-travel EPE-negative individuals (68% women; median age, 49 ye…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Acquisition of ESBL-Producing E. coli During Travel

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Reviewing Author