Metallo-β-Lactamases: the Quiet before the Storm?

Metallo-β-Lactamases: the Quiet before the Storm?

Apr. 2005 | Timothy R. Walsh, Mark A. Toleman, Laurent Poirel, and Patrice Nordmann
Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are enzymes that confer resistance to β-lactam antibiotics by hydrolyzing their structure. They are divided into chromosomally encoded and transferable types. Chromosomally encoded MBLs are found in various bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, S. maltophilia, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Transferable MBLs are often found in plasmids and integrons, with examples including IMP, VIM, GIM, and SPM-1. These enzymes are often associated with antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae, and Acinetobacter spp. The spread of MBLs is linked to the use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems, and they can be transferred between bacteria through plasmids and transposons. MBLs are inhibited by EDTA and other chelating agents, and their activity is dependent on zinc ions. The classification of MBLs includes IMP, VIM, GIM, and SPM-1, with variations in their structure and activity. The spread of MBLs has been observed globally, with increasing resistance in clinical settings. The development of inhibitors for MBLs is critical to combat the spread of these enzymes, as they can hydrolyze all classes of β-lactams. The study highlights the importance of understanding the genetic and biochemical characteristics of MBLs to develop effective treatment strategies and infection control measures.Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are enzymes that confer resistance to β-lactam antibiotics by hydrolyzing their structure. They are divided into chromosomally encoded and transferable types. Chromosomally encoded MBLs are found in various bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, S. maltophilia, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Transferable MBLs are often found in plasmids and integrons, with examples including IMP, VIM, GIM, and SPM-1. These enzymes are often associated with antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae, and Acinetobacter spp. The spread of MBLs is linked to the use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems, and they can be transferred between bacteria through plasmids and transposons. MBLs are inhibited by EDTA and other chelating agents, and their activity is dependent on zinc ions. The classification of MBLs includes IMP, VIM, GIM, and SPM-1, with variations in their structure and activity. The spread of MBLs has been observed globally, with increasing resistance in clinical settings. The development of inhibitors for MBLs is critical to combat the spread of these enzymes, as they can hydrolyze all classes of β-lactams. The study highlights the importance of understanding the genetic and biochemical characteristics of MBLs to develop effective treatment strategies and infection control measures.
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[slides and audio] Metallo-%CE%B2-Lactamases%3A the Quiet before the Storm%3F