Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Malian Orphanage

Abstract

We show high rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae carriage among the staff and children at an orphanage in Bamako, Mali. Enterobacteriaceae colonized in 100% and 63%, respectively, of the 38 children and 30 adults studied. Use of antimicrobial drugs appeared excessive and inappropriate; decontamination and hygiene protocols were also questioned.

Keywords

• Enterobacteria
• extended-spectrum β-lactamases
• orphanage
• Mali
• Africa
• dispatch