Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in Escherichia coli in the French community: The times they are a-changin'?

OBJECTIVES

Since the early 2000s, Escherichia coli resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) has been increasing in all European countries, mainly due to the spread of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Here we present a retrospective study that combines resistance of E. coli to 3GCs and quinolones with data on antibiotic use in the community in a region of Northeastern France.

METHODS

Since 2012, an observational surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in the community was conducted: data on antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolates were collected from 11 private laboratories, and consumption data were collected from the three main healthcare insurances.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in the prevalence of resistance to 3GCs (from 5.6% to 4.2%; P < 0.001), nalidixic acid (from 16.7% to 14.8%; P = 0.004) and ciprofloxacin (from 10.9% to 8.1%; P < 0.001) was reported between 2015 and 2017. Although total antibiotic consumption did not vary significantly between 2012 and 2017, a decrease in the consumption of 3GCs (-32.%; P < 0.001) and quinolones (-25.5%; P < 0.001) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Here we report a decrease in the prevalence of E. coli isolates resistant to 3GCs and quinolones in outpatients in the context of significant decreasing consumption of these two antibiotic classes.