title: beta-Lactamase production by intestinal spirochaetes.
abstract: beta-Lactamase production was demonstrated in four of nineteen strains of intestinal spirochaetes isolated from human subjects. The enzyme was preferentially active against penicillins and was inhibited by clavulanic acid; it was membrane bound and non-inducible. No plasmids were detected in the intestinal spirochaetes and the beta-lactamase-production characteristic was not transferable to non-producing strains.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013144:Spirochaetales / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D001618:beta-Lactamases