Dissemination of extended-spectrum b-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli at home: a potential occupational hazard for healthcare workers?

The risks of occupational exposure of healthcare workers to ESBL-producing bacteria and of onward transmission to household contacts has not received significant attention. Cotter et al report a case of ESBL producing E. coli bloodstream infection in a healthcare worker associated with subsequent isolation of an indistinguishable strain from one causing a urinary tract infection in his spouse.