Investigating the impact of the definition of previous antibiotic exposure related to isolation of extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Previous antibiotic exposure is a risk factor for extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolation, but the optimal definition of previous antibiotic exposure remains unclear.

METHODS: This was a retrospective, case-control study comparing 88 patients with ESBL-producing K pneumoniae (cases) and 88 patients with non-ESBL-producing K pneumoniae (controls). Three previous antibiotic exposure definitions were analyzed, including durations of 30, 60, and 90 days prior to organism isolation.

RESULTS: The mean cohort age was 63.6 ± 16.9 years, 43% were male, and 86% were black. In bivariate analysis, third-generation cephalosporins and cefepime were associated with ESBL-producing K pneumoniae isolation, and the odds ratios (OR) were significant regardless of previous antibiotic exposure definition. However, for fluoroquinolones and ampicillin/sulbactam, the ORs varied as a function of previous antibiotic exposure definition. In multivariate analysis, third-generation cephalosporin usage was a risk factor for ESBL-producing K pneumoniae isolation, whereas ampicillin/sulbactam usage was protective against these organisms, regardless of the time frame analyzed. Other independent predictors of ESBL-producing K pneumoniae included nursing home residence (OR, 9.30 [95% confidence interval: 3.69-23.43]) and hemodialysis (OR, 13.60 [95% confidence interval: 4.29-43.17]).

CONCLUSION: Prior use of third-generation cephalosporins, nursing home residence, and hemodialysis were independent risk factors for isolation of an ESBL-producing K pneumoniae regardless of the time frame analyzed.