Lexic.us

Definition of Beta-lactamase

1. Noun. Enzyme produced by certain bacteria that inactivates penicillin and results in resistance to that antibiotic.

Definition of Beta-lactamase

1. Noun. (biochemistry) An enzyme produced by certain bacteria, responsible for their resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Beta-lactamase

1. An enzyme produced by some bacteria, which causes the breakdown of the active form of some penicillin antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. It causes the hydrolysis of a beta-lactam (as penicillin to penicilloic acid); found in most strains of staphylococcus bacteria that are naturally resistant to penicillin. Synonym: cephalosporinase, penicillinase. (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Beta-lactamase

Literary usage of Beta-lactamase

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Germ Warfareby John Lonergan by John Lonergan (2001)
"Beta lactamase positive, although that should be no surprise. " Beta lactamase is an enzyme some bacteria produce to destroy the effectiveness of penicillin ..."

2. Impacts Of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria by DIANE Publishing Company (1996)
"Beta-Lactamase: an enzyme produced by some bacteria that degrades beta-lactam antibiotics. See penicillinase. Breakpoint: a concentration of antibiotic that ..."

3. Guide To Clinical Preventive Services by U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (1989)
"Over 16000 infections with beta-lactamase-producing gonococci, the most common resistant strain, ..."

4. Hantaviruses: Emerging Viral Diseases edited by J. S. Mackenzie (1999)
"... J. Beytout, and D. Raoult Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase- 181 Producing Salmonella Enteritidis in Trinidad and Tobago BR Cherian, N. Singh, W.Charles, ..."

5. In the Matter of Certain Recombinantly Produced Human Growth Hormones by DIANE Publishing Company (1997)
"... proteins not apparently amendable to extra-cellular cleavage, eg Villa-Komaroff, supra, (penicillinase- proinsulin); Seeburg, supra (beta-lactamase- ..."

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