The ACT-1 plasmid-encoded AmpC beta-lactamase is inducible: detection in a complex beta-lactamase background

The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic organization and inducibility of bla(ACT-1) in a clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae possessing at least five different beta-lactamases. The genetic organization of the bla(ACT-1)/ampR region is identical to those of inducible chromosomal ampC genes. RNA analysis using primer extension demonstrated a five-fold increase in bla(ACT-1) transcript production on exposure to cefoxitin. These findings are significant because induction was detected in a complicated beta-lactamase background. In addition, this report is the first to describe an inducible plasmid-encoded AmpC beta-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae origin.