Oxacillinázokat

Oxacillinázokat, also known as oxacillinases, are a group of beta-lactamase enzymes. These enzymes are produced by bacteria and play a crucial role in antibiotic resistance. Specifically, oxacillinases are responsible for hydrolyzing the beta-lactam ring of penicillin-derived antibiotics, including oxacillin, methicillin, and nafcillin. This enzymatic degradation renders these antibiotics ineffective, rendering the bacteria resistant to their action.

The genes encoding oxacillinases are often located on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, which facilitates their spread among bacterial populations. This horizontal gene transfer is a significant factor in the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The presence of oxacillinases is a primary mechanism by which bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, develop resistance to penicillinase-resistant penicillins.

Detection of oxacillinase activity is important in clinical microbiology for guiding antibiotic treatment. Methods such as the cefoxitin disk diffusion test are commonly used to screen for the presence of oxacillinase-producing bacteria, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Understanding the mechanisms of oxacillinase activity is vital for developing new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and preserve the efficacy of existing antibacterial drugs.