Concept
ESBL
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase concept
E-S-B-L
High-yield clue
Beta-lactamase enzyme + expanded cephalosporin resistance vocabulary.
Overview
A resistance concept describing beta-lactamase enzymes that hydrolyze expanded-spectrum beta-lactam vocabulary in Enterobacterales coursework.
Classification
- Resistance concept
- Enzymatic drug inactivation
Lab & identification clues
- Phenotypic confirmation vocabulary
- Susceptibility category concept
- Plasmid-mediated spread vocabulary
Associations
- E. coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Beta-lactams
Commonly confused with
- CRE
- AmpC beta-lactamase
- MRSA
Frequently asked questions
What is ESBL?
A resistance concept describing beta-lactamase enzymes that hydrolyze expanded-spectrum beta-lactam vocabulary in Enterobacterales coursework.
What is the high-yield clue for ESBL?
Beta-lactamase enzyme + expanded cephalosporin resistance vocabulary.
What is ESBL associated with?
ESBL is associated with E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Beta-lactams.
What is ESBL commonly confused with?
ESBL is commonly confused with CRE, AmpC beta-lactamase, and MRSA.
Original microbiology concept summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC/WHO topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment selection, infection-control instructions, or specimen-handling guidance.