An official website of the United States government.
<OL> <LI> To develop phenotypic assays for initial characterization of beta-lactamases.
<LI>To develop methods for the molecular characterization of beta-lactam resistance.
<LI> To develop methods for the standardized characterization of plasmids carrying beta-lactamase genes.
<LI> To identify reference laboratories capable of further characterization of e.g. new enzymes
<LI> To disseminate available knowledge on characterization of resistance plasmids
<LI>To create strain collections of reference strains.
Progress: The beta-lactam antibiotics are the most varied and widely used of all the different groups of antimicrobials. About 100 different beta-lactam antibiotics are used clinically in the antibacterial treatment of humans and animals. The primary cause of resistance towards these drugs is the acquisition by bacteria of transferable genes that encode the penicillin-degrading enzymes beta-lactamases. <P>
The objectives of this workpackage were to develop phenotypic and genotypic protocols for characterization of beta-lactamases, their genes and associated plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae. To achieve this a collection of reference strains, covering all currently known beta-lactamases from Enterobactericeae, has been established and is available for distribution. <P>
Based on previously published methods and partnership experience, recommendations for phenotypic and genotypic techniques for the detection and characterisation of beta-lactamases and methods for the purification and characterisation of associated plasmids, have been provided. These protocols will be publically available. <P>
The strain collection and protocols provide a unique resource to the scientific community interested in the surveillance and monitoring of beta-lactamases in Enterobactericeae
<P>