Extended-Spectrum Beta- Lactamases (ESBL)
Date issued: June 2026
Review date: June 2029
Leaflet section: Infection prevention and management
PDF: Extended-Spectrum Beta- Lactamases (ESBL).pdf [pdf] 177KB
Infection Prevention and Management Team
What is ESBL?
ESBL stands for Extended-Spectrum Beta Lactamase.
ESBL are enzymes (chemicals) produced by some bacteria. These enzymes can breakdown certain antibiotics, making the bacteria harder to treat.
The most common bacteria that produce ESBL are:
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Escherichia coli ( E.coli)
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Klebsiella species
These bacteria often live harmlessly in the bowel (gut), but sometimes they can cause infection.
How did I get ESBL?
It is not always clear how someone becomes colonised or infected with ESBL.
It is often:
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Acquired in the community
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Related to previous antibiotic use
Many people carry ESBL without symptoms of this type of bacteria, but it is often acquired in the community
How is ESBL spread?
ESBL can spread if good hygiene is not followed.
It spreads:
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From person to person via hands
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By touching contaminated surfaces and equipment
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Through contact with body fluids (including faeces) of someone carrying ESBL.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can carry ESBL, but some people are at higher risk of infection, including:
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People who have had frequent or recent antibiotics
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People with urinary catheters or drainage tubes
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People with wounds or medical devices
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People who are unwell or in hospital
What can you do to help?
You can help reduce the spread of ESBL by:
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Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
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After using the toilet
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Before eating and drinking
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Informing staff if you have diarrhoea
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Follow all advice given by staff
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Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed
How do we prevent the spread?
We will take steps to reduce the risk of spread, including:
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Encouraging regular hand hygiene (soap and water or alcohol hand gel)
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Promoting appropriate use of antibiotics
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Caring for patient with symptoms (such as diarrhoea) in a single room when needed
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Using protective clothing such as aprons and gloves
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Increasing cleaning of the environment
What does it mean for you and your family?
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Visitors are usually allowed but must follow staff advice
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Visitors may be asked to clean their hands
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Good hand hygiene is important for everyone
In most cases:
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ESBL does not mean you need to stay in hospital longer
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You may need to complete a course of antibiotics
When should you seek advice?
Speak to a healthcare professional if:
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You develop symptoms of infection (such as pain, fever, or urinary symptoms)
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You feel unwell after leaving hospital
Take any information cards given to you to healthcare appointments
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
