title: 'Beta-lactams' as beta-lactamase inhibitors.
abstract: The application of inhibitors to block the beta-lactamase destruction of penicillins and cephalosporins by resistant bacteria is a potentially useful way of improving the efficacy of established compounds. Certain semi-synthetic penicillins and cephalosporins have been found to be competitive inhibitors of selected beta-lactamases but an examination of streptomycete culture fluids has revealed two new types of beta-lactam compound: clavulanic acid, which is a progressive inactivator of a wide range of beta-lactamases, and the olivanic acids, which are both broad-spectrum antibiotics and potent beta-lactamase inhibitors. Penicillanic acid sulphone and 6-beta-bromopenicillanic acid have been shown to be significant inhibitors of beta-lactamase. The chemotherapeutic application of these compounds is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D019818:Clavulanic Acid; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004357:Drug Synergism; D007769:Lactams; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D047090:beta-Lactams / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D007769:Lactams; D010406:Penicillins; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D047090:beta-Lactams; D019818:Clavulanic Acid; C020786:olivanic acid