The history and current status of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing bacteria in Sweden

Abstract

Bacteria with the Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) resistance mechanism have become more common in Sweden in the last couple of years. Sweden has worked to diminish and control antimicrobial resistance for a long time, and although Sweden has a favourable situation from an international standpoint, we do see increased yearly cases of the ESBL producing bacteria in human healthcare and, in some instances, in veterinary care as well. Although not commonly found, ESBL producing bacteria have been discovered in Swedish cattle and pigs in low amounts and in imported samples of beef and pork. The occurrence of ESBL producing bacteria in Swedish broilers was high in the last decade and has reached low levels only recently. Companion animals like cats and dogs has also had low levels of ESBL producing bacteria in Sweden, but risk factors, such as feeding commercial raw diets to dogs, have been identified.