Examination of various Gram-negative bacteria for beta-lactamase activity

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Abstract
The beta-lactamase activity in 10 bacterial species from different genera were evaluated where direct evidence and quantitative data were lacking. A quantitative iodometric method and infrared spectrophotometry were used for the determination of the beta-lactamase activity. The organisms tested were shown to have enzyme activity directed against the beta-lactam ring, and on the basis of the activity on two members of the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, penicillin G and cephalosporin C, a particular ratio was obtained for each species. This report supports the fact of the widespread distribution of beta-lactamase and reopens the question of its significance.