Screening for Extended-Spectrum -Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae among High-Risk Patients and Rates of Subsequent Bacteremia

Background. Bloodstream infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae have been associated with increased hospital costs, length of stay, and patient mortality. However, the role of routine inpatient surveillance for ESBL colonization in predicting related infection is unclear. Methods. From 2000 through 2005, we screened 17,872 patients hospitalized in designated high-risk units for rectal colonization with...