Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis with Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli in Infants Born to South and South East Asian Immigrants: A Case Series

Abstract

Extended-spectrum β -lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae represent a major worldwide threat. We present three cases of early onset ESBL Escherichia coli sepsis in infants born to families from South and Southeast Asia to inform the practitioner community about this emerging threat. Infants with suspected sepsis, whose mother is from Asia or Southeast Asia, should be suspected of having an infection with an ESBL-producing organism, and practitioners should strongly consider adding a carbapenem to their usual initial antibiotic regimen.