Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Diego Andrés et al. Gastrointestinal tract colonization in children after infection by extendedspectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria and treatment with carbapenems: prospective study. Infect. [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.3, pp.155-159. ISSN 0123-9392.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tract colonization seems to be a risk factor for acquiring an infection by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. Time colonization has not been established yet, this condition has not been analyzed enough, and evidence is poor. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal tract colonization after an antibiotic therapy. Patients and methods: This was a one-year prospective descriptive study of patients who had cultures with ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella pneumonia or Escherichia coli) and received treatment with meropenem. In order to detect potential reservoirs for ESBL producing bacteria, stool cultures were done on days 7, 14 and 30 after initiating the antibiotic treatment. Results: During the study period, we included 80 cases, of which 47 received meropenem, and stool cultures were performed in these cases. There was gastrointestinal tract colonization by ESBL-producing bacteria in 21.3% (10) on day 7 of treatment, 8.5% (4) on day 14, and none on day 30. K. pneumonia, being the most frequent, was found in 60% of cultures. Conclusions: The gastrointestinal tract in children acts as a temporary reservoir for ESBL-producing bacteria and could be an infection and contamination source to medical staff and other patients during a critical period of at least two weeks. 100% of gastrointestinal tract colonization was eradicated after treatment with meropenem.

Keywords : children; extended-spectrum beta-lactamase; colonization.

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