The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacteria are multi-drug resistant and prevalent worldwide, particularly in hospital settings.  In developing countries there may be even fewer antibiotics available to treat infections caused by ESBL gram-negative pathogens. This graphic from the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership shows the increase in prevalence of two such organisms –E. coli and K. pneumoniae – in one Vietnamese hospital between 2005 and 2008.