On this page…
What are ESBLs?
Enterobacterales are a large group of different types of bacteria (germs) that commonly cause infections both in healthcare settings and in communities. Examples of germs in the Enterobacterales group include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
ESBL enzymes break down and destroy some commonly used antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins, making these drugs ineffective for treating infection and harder to treat. ESBL does not necessarily always pose a risk to individuals, and it can harmlessly live in the gut of people.
If a person’s immune system has been weakened by illness, surgery, medication or procedures then the risk of infection increases.
How is ESBL transmitted?
As with most infections, good hygiene measures should be adhered to. ESBLs can be spread from one person to another in healthcare settings through contaminated hands and surfaces.
Good infection control practices, particularly focusing on hand washing, are essential in reducing the transmission of this enzyme.
Staff need to ensure that equipment is thoroughly decontaminated after each patient use to avoid spreading ESBL and other infections to other staff, patients and visitors.
What happens if you have an ESBL in hospital?
If you have contracted an ESBL it will not be necessary to remain in hospital, you can still be discharged home and your GP/community nursing staff will be informed.
How is ESBL treated?
Treatment is available if you become infected with ESBL so please discuss this with your doctor.
You will not require any antibiotic treatment if you are carrying the enzyme without any signs or symptoms of infection.
What happens after treatment?
Maintaining your personal hygiene and hand washing will be beneficial at home and you do not need to limit your visitors or activities.
Can I have visitors?
Yes, you can. Your visitors will need to wash their hands with soap and water when entering and leaving your room. They are not required to wear an apron or gloves unless helping you with your care needs.
What is Mersey Care doing to prevent and control ESBLs?
We work hard to prevent and control all infections, including:
- Training staff
- Having procedures for staff to follow
- Ensuring the hospital/clinics are cleaned to a high standard
- Regular audits/spot checks to monitor cleaning standards
- Monitoring the prescribing of antibiotics to ensure they are prescribed appropriately and only used when required.
Further information
The following websites are useful and discuss antibiotics and the importance of using them responsibly:
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.
Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints
Alternative Formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to change the text size and colour contrast on this page.
There is a “translate” button in the Accessibility toolbar, at the bottom of this page, however, this tool is automated and may not be accurate.
Speak to a member of staff if you wish to request this page in Braille or have any other questions about accessibility.
You can use the “print this page” icon at the bottom of the page to save or print a PDF copy of this leaflet.
Approval date: 30 October 2025
Review date: 19 October 2026
Version number: 1
Contact Us
Infection Prevention and Control TeamEmail: Infection
You can also send feedback to our team via the QR code below.
For more information about our Infection, Prevention and Control team please look at their specialist webpage.