-Lactamases are most commonly classified according totwo general schemes: the Ambler molecular classificationscheme and the Bush-Jacoby-Medieros functional classification system (10, 66, 338). The Ambler scheme divides -lactamases into four major classes (A to D). The basis of thisclassification scheme rests upon protein homology (amino acidsimilarity), and not phenotypic characteristics. In the Amblerclassification scheme, -lactamases of classes A, C, and D areserine -lactamases. In contrast, the class B enzymes are metallo--lactamases. The Bush-Jacoby-Medeiros classificationscheme groups -lactamases according to functional similarities (substrate and inhibitor profile). There are four maingroups and multiple subgroups in this system. This classification scheme is of much more immediate relevance to the physician or microbiologist in a diagnostic laboratory because itconsiders -lactamase inhibitors and -lactam substrates thatare clinically relevant
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