Treatment of choice for extended spectrum beta- lactamase producing enterococci:
**Question:** Treatment of choice for extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterococci:
A. Vancomycin
B. Teicoplanin
C. Linezolid
D. Amoxicillin-clavulanate
**Core Concept:**
Enterococci are a group of gram-positive cocci that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. They are often resistant to multiple antibiotics due to the production of beta-lactamases. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) is a type of beta-lactamase that breaks down penicillins, cephalosporins, and monobactams.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterococci are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and monobactams. Combination therapy with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (e.g., clavulanic acid) and a beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin) can overcome this resistance. This is why amoxicillin-clavulanate (option D) is the correct choice for treating extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterococci.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Vancomycin (option A) is an antibiotic targeting cell wall synthesis in gram-positive bacteria, including enterococci. However, vancomycin is not effective against ESBL producing enterococci due to their resistance mechanisms.
B. Teicoplanin (option B) is another antibiotic targeting cell wall synthesis in gram-positive bacteria, but it is not a suitable choice for treating ESBL producing enterococci due to their resistance mechanisms.
C. Linezolid (option C) is an antibiotic targeting bacterial protein synthesis, but it is not effective against ESBL producing enterococci due to their resistance mechanisms.
**Clinical Pearl:**
The treatment of choice for ESBL producing enterococci should be a combination therapy with a beta-lactam antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This is important to ensure effective therapy in the face of antibiotic resistance.