The extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., particularly those producing CTX-M enzymes, have emerged as important causative agents of healthcare-associated infections across the world (Hawkey and Jones, 2009). Apart from being present in hospitals and clinics, ESBL-producing E. coli strains are prevalent in the community and are reported to be responsible for community-acquired bacterial infections (Arpin et al., 2005; Pitout et al., 2005). Studies from different areas of the world show an association between the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli and exposure to either food or contaminated water (Ho et al., 2011; Laube et al., 2013; Xi et al., 2015). The presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in the community has led to the hypothesis that there could be a transmission of these strains from human waste to the environment (Martinez, 2009a).

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