NOVEL BETA-LACTAMASE FROM CAPNOCYTOPHAGA SP

A novel β-lactamase activity which confers resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and penicillins has been found in strain IC 5/21 of Capnocytophaga spp. Enzyme activity migrated at a molecular size of 38,000 daltons and at an isoelectric point of 3.6, with a minor band at 4.1. Kinetic studies suggested that it belonged to Richmond and Sykes β-lactamase class 1c. Isoelectric focusing could be achieved only if a nonionic detergent was added to the gel, suggesting the presence of a hydrophobic enzyme akin to a membrane-bound β-lactamase of gram-positive bacteria. The location of the gene coding for this β-lactamase is not yet known.