Update of the Standard Numbering Scheme for Class B β-Lactamases
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: β-Lactamases represent the major cause of bacterial resistance against β-lactam antibiotics, and they have been divided into four classes (A to D) on the basis of their amino acid sequences (21).The class B enzymes have no sequence or structural similarity to the active-site serine enzymes of classes A, C, and D (6); require a bivalent metal ion (Zn 2+ ) for activity; and constitute group 3 in the Bush-Jacoby-Medeiros functional classification (2).The identification of Zn-β-lacta-mase-producing pathogenic strains of Aeromonas, Bacteroides, Flavobacterium, Legionella, Serratia, and Stenotrophomonas has greatly increased interest in this class of enzymes (2).The fact that they hydrolyze almost all β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, underlines their clinical relevance.In consequence, the potential spreading of these enzymes among pathogenic bacteria is a frightening possibility, which emphasizes the importance of understanding their properties.
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W2031165491