The spread of beta-lactamases, which confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, is a serious clinical and public health problem. Genotypic and functional characterization of beta-lactamases is critical. The curation of many of these medically-important enzymes has in the past been performed solely by Drs. Karen Bush, George Jacoby, and Timothy Palzkill and has been hosted at the Lahey Clinic. After discussion with the above experts NCBI has agreed to host the data to ensure the long-term stability of this important resource which will include:
The storage of current beta-lactamase alleles (the specific nucleotide and protein accessions associated with each allele) along with links to any publication when available.
The curation (assignment of) new beta-lactamase alleles.
Enabling the retrieval of beta-lactamase nucleotide and protein accessions along with the antibiotic susceptibility profile of a transconjugant/transformant bearing the beta-lactamase gene(s).
Currently, the Lahey db curates beta-lactamase enzymes belonging to the following families: ACC, ACT, BEL, CARB, CFE, CMY, CTX-M, DHA, FOX, GES, GIM, KPC, IMI, IMP, IND, LAT, MIR, MOX, NDM, OXA, PER, SHV, SME, TEM, VEB, and VIM. Another web site for TEM, SHV, and class B enzymes can be found at http://www.laced.uni-stuttgart.de. A web site for LEN, OXY,