This illustration depicts a three-dimensional (3D) computer-generated image of a group of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLs) bacteria. The artistic recreation was based upon scanning electron micrographic imagery. This is an excellent visual example of the long, whip-like peritrichous flagellae sprouting from what appear to be random points on the organisms exterior, as well as the numerous shorter, and finer fimbriae, imparting a furry look to the bacteria. Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase is an enzyme that allows bacteria to become resistant to a wide variety of penicillins and cephalosporins. Bacteria that contain this enzyme are known as ESBLs or ESBL-producing bacteria. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae are resistant to strong antibiotics including extended spectrum cephalosporins. An estimated 140,000 healthcare-associated Enterobacteriaceae infections occur in the United States each year. CDC estimates that bloodstream infections caused by ESBL-conta