Global distribution of TEM-1 and ROB-1 beta-lactamases in Haemophilus influenzae.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the global distribution of TEM-1 and ROB-1 beta-lactamases in Haemophilus influenzae isolated from patients with community-acquired respiratory tract infection during the first 4 years of the PROTEKT study (1999-2003). To investigate the activities of commonly used antibiotics against these isolates.


METHODS
For 14 870 H. influenzae, MIC testing was performed using NCCLS broth microdilution methodology. For 2225 beta-lactamase-positive (BLP) H. influenzae, TEM-1 and ROB-1 genes were detected using a Taqman PCR method.


RESULTS
beta-Lactamase positivity was 15.0% overall but varied greatly by country (<5% in several countries to 67.9% in Taiwan). Prevalences of TEM-1 and ROB-1 BLP H. influenzae were 93.7% and 4.6%, respectively, however almost all ROB-1 isolates were found in Canada, the USA and Mexico. ROB-1 isolates (n = 102) were less susceptible against cefaclor (29.4% versus 87.6%) and cefprozil (42.2% versus 91.9%) than TEM-1 (n = 2085) isolates. Differences in susceptibility rates for chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole and tetracycline were also found between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The ROB-1 beta-lactamase was found almost exclusively in North America and was more active against cefaclor and cefprozil than the TEM-1 beta-lactamase.
Farrell
D J
DJ
GR Micro Limited, 7-9 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK. D.Farrell@grmicro.co.uk
Morrissey
I
I
Bakker
S
S
Buckridge
S
S
Felmingham
D
D
D014943:Global Health; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D001618:beta-Lactamases; C034413:beta-lactamase TEM-1; C477296:beta-lactamase bla(ROB-1), Haemophilus influenzae