Penicilinázy

Penicilinases are a type of enzyme produced by some bacteria. Their primary function is to break down penicillin and its related antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. This breakdown occurs through a process called hydrolysis, where the enzyme cleaves a specific bond within the penicillin molecule. The gene encoding for penicillinase is often located on plasmids, which are small, extrachromosomal DNA molecules that can be easily transferred between bacteria. This horizontal gene transfer is a significant factor in the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance. The presence of penicillinase in a bacterial population is a major reason why certain penicillin-based drugs are no longer effective against some infections. Microorganisms that produce penicillinase are considered resistant to penicillin. Scientists have developed several strategies to combat penicillinase-producing bacteria, including the development of penicillinase-resistant penicillins and the co-administration of beta-lactamase inhibitors, which are compounds that bind to and inactivate penicillinases.