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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:06
The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2018
Carbapenemases: the versatile beta-lactamases
Anne Marie Queenan1, Karen Bush
1Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C., Raritan, NJ 08869, USA. aqueenan@prdus.jnj.com
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|July 17, 2007
Summary
Carbapenemases are enzymes that break down antibiotics, causing difficult-to-treat infections. This review covers carbapenemase types, spread, and detection in bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Carbapenemases are beta-lactamases capable of hydrolyzing a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems.
- Bacteria producing carbapenemases can cause severe infections due to the ineffectiveness of many beta-lactam drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of carbapenemases found in pathogenic bacteria.
- To cover their characteristics, epidemiology, and detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of carbapenemase characteristics.
- Epidemiological data compilation.
- Analysis of detection methodologies.
Main Results:
- Carbapenemases are classified into molecular classes A, B, and D.
- Class A (e.g., KPC) and D (e.g., OXA) utilize a serine-based mechanism, while Class B are zinc-dependent metallo-beta-lactamases.
- Prevalence varies by bacterial species and geographic location, with KPC in Klebsiella pneumoniae, OXA in Acinetobacter baumannii, and metallo-beta-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and increasingly in Enterobacteriaceae.
Conclusions:
- Carbapenemase-producing bacteria pose a significant threat due to broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding carbapenemase types, epidemiology, and detection is crucial for managing infections.
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