CTX-M β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in French Hospitals: Prevalence, Molecular Epidemiology, and Risk Factors▿

ABSTRACT In 2004, 65 CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli isolates were collected from infected patients in four French hospitals. The bla CTX-M-15 genes were predominant. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis highlighted a clonal propagation of CTX-M-15-producing strains belonging to phylogenetic group B2, notably in the community. The main risk factors for acquiring these isolates were urinary tract infections or the presence of a urinary catheter in diabetic or renal failure patients.