betalaktamases

Betalactamases are a diverse group of enzymes produced by bacteria that confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. These enzymes function by hydrolyzing the amide bond within the beta-lactam ring of the antibiotic, rendering it inactive and unable to bind to its target, penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are essential for bacterial cell wall synthesis.

The genes encoding betalactamases are often located on mobile genetic elements like plasmids, which facilitates their rapid spread among bacterial populations through horizontal gene transfer. This widespread dissemination of betalactamase genes is a major contributor to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Betalactamases are classified into different groups based on their structure and catalytic mechanism. The Ambler classification system is widely used, categorizing them into four main classes: A, B, C, and D. Class A, C, and D enzymes are serine betalactamases, utilizing a serine residue in their active site for hydrolysis. Class B enzymes, also known as metallo-betalactamases (MBLs), require a metal ion, typically zinc, for their activity.

The emergence and increasing prevalence of betalactamase-producing bacteria pose a significant threat to public health, limiting treatment options for bacterial infections and leading to more severe and prolonged illnesses. Understanding the diversity and mechanisms of betalactamases is crucial for developing new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.