Enrichment Broth Improved Detection of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Bacteria in Throat and Rectal Surveillance Cultures of Samples from Patients in Intensive Care Units

We evaluated the use of a trypticase soy broth (TSB) for improving detection of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL(+)) bacteria. Preenrichment of throat and rectal swabs in TSB prior to inoculation on solid medium doubled the number of ESBL(+) bacteria detected in samples obtained from patients in our intensive care unit.