Heat resistance in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli may favor environmental survival in a hospital setting

Erik J Boll, Jakob Frimodt-Møller, Bente Olesen, Karen A Krogfelt, Carsten Struve

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Nosocomial infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are a major concern worldwide. There is an urgent need to identify bacterial factors promoting survival and persistence of these organisms in the nosocomial environment. Here, we describe the presence of a gene cluster, containing the Clp ATPase ClpK, within a collection of Danish ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. The cluster conferred thermoprotection upon the isolates, and thus might facilitate survival on medical devices exposed to semi-high temperatures in a hospital setting.

Original languageEnglish
JournalResearch in Microbiology
Volume167
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)345-349
Number of pages5
ISSN0923-2508
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ESBL-producing Escherichia coli
  • Heat resistance
  • Nosocomial infection

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