Definition of Beta-lactamase
1. Noun. Enzyme produced by certain bacteria that inactivates penicillin and results in resistance to that antibiotic.
Medical Definition of Beta-lactamase
1.
An enzyme produced by some bacteria, which causes the breakdown of the active form of some penicillin antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. It causes the hydrolysis of a beta-lactam (as penicillin to penicilloic acid); found in most strains of staphylococcus bacteria that are naturally resistant to penicillin.
Synonym: cephalosporinase, penicillinase.
(05 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Beta-lactamase
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