OXA181producing

OXA181producing refers to the genetic or phenotypic characteristic of an organism, typically a bacterium, possessing the capability to produce the OXA-181 enzyme. OXA-181 is a type of carbapenemase, an enzyme that confers resistance to carbapenems, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Carbapenems are often used as a last resort for treating serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The presence of the OXA-181 carbapenemase allows bacteria to hydrolyze and inactivate carbapenem antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. This resistance mechanism is a significant concern in healthcare settings, as it can lead to treatment failures and the spread of untreatable infections. Bacteria that are OXA181producing are often referred to as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), although OXA-181 is specifically associated with certain species within this group, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The genes encoding OXA-181 carbapenemases are often located on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, which can be readily transferred between bacteria. This facilitates the rapid dissemination of carbapenem resistance within bacterial populations. Surveillance and detection of OXA181producing strains are crucial for infection control and guiding antimicrobial therapy. Molecular methods, such as PCR, are commonly used to identify the presence of the OXA-181 gene.