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Infect Immun. 1972 April; 5(4): 542-546
Copyright © 1972 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Immunological Distinction of Mycobacterial Beta-Lactamases

The Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, and The Medical Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa 52240

ABSTRACT

Beta-lactamase-containing fractions have been isolated from Myobacterium tuberculosis strain R₁R_v and M. smegmatis strains NCTC 8158 and T-64. Antisera raised in rabbits to these fractions demonstrated no cross-reactivity with a commercial Bacillus cereus beta-lactamase. Antiserum to either strain of M. smegmatis revealed no cross-reactivity with M. tuberculosis R₁R_v, one specificity in common with the other M. smegmatis strain, and two specificities unique to the immunizing fractions. Further characterization of the common specificity was not possible, but beta-lactamase activity was related to the strain-specific precipitin lines in each case. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of isolating beta-lactamase enzyme fractions that may prove useful in the classification and diagnosis of mycobacteria.