Clonal dissemination of highly virulent extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from the urine of non-hospitalised patients in Zagreb region.

Recent data suggest that extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is an emergent cause of urinary tract infections in non-hospitalised patients in different countries. The aim of this study was to characterise ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from the urine of outpatients in the Zagreb region of Croatia. During the 5-month study period, a total of 2451 E. coli strains were isolated from the urine of non-hospitalised patients with significant bacteriuria. A total of 39 ESBL-producing E. coli strains (1.59%) were collected and characterised.