Which of the following bacteria is often associated with producing ESBL?

Escherichia coli is a well-recognized pathogen that is frequently associated with the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). These enzymes can hydrolyze a broad range of beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins, which renders many commonly used antibiotics ineffective against infections caused by these strains.

The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli is particularly concerning in healthcare settings and community-acquired infections. Such organisms are known for their transmission and can lead to significant treatment challenges, making understanding their behavior essential for effective antimicrobial stewardship.

Other bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have their own resistance mechanisms and challenges, but they are not as widely recognized for ESBL production as E. coli. For instance, while Staphylococcus is notable for methicillin resistance, it does not typically produce ESBLs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with other beta-lactamases but not primarily ESBLs, and Salmonella lacks a significant association with ESBL production compared to E. coli.