β-LACTAMASE AND β-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE IN ACINETOBACTER ANITRATUM (SYN.: A. CALCOACETICUS)

Abstract

The cephalosporin β-lactamase (cephalosporinase) produced by Acinetobacter was studied. The enzyme was partially purified by means of column chromatography and its properties were investigated. The enzyme was induced by benzylpenicillin, 6-aminopenicillanic acid and cephaloridine. Its molecular weight is 30, 000, its optimal temperature 40°C, and its optimal pH 7.25-7.50. Substrate specificity studies using various cephalosporins and penicillins, showed that the enzyme functioned as a cephalosporinase rather than penicillinase.