EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CARB APENEMASE PRODUCING ENTEROBACTERALES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Abstract

Carbapenemases are versatile β-lactamases capable of hydrolyzing carbapenem antibiotics. They are classified into Ambler classes A, B, and D. Class A carbapenemases, such as Klebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC) and Guyana extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (GES), hydrolyze penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and aztreonam. Class B carbapenemases, defined by their metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) structures, hydrolyze all beta-lactams except aztreonam. While class D carbapenemases, including oxyacillin-hydrolyzing carbapenemase (OXA) enzymes, have decreased hydrolyzing activity against carbapenems and penicillins.