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Inhibition of R-factor-mediated β-lactamase by Proteus mirabilis

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Abstract

In cultures of Proteus mirabilis the level of R-factor-TEM-mediated β-lactamase activity rose during the logarithmic phase, reached a maximum value at the end of this phase and fell rapidly when the cells entered the stationary phase. Supernatants from cultures in the stationary phase were found to inhibit R-TEM β-lactamase activity both in cell-free preparations and in intact cells. The inhibitory activity may be due to a proteolytic enzyme excreted into the medium.

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Author notes

  1. S. R. Hesslewood

    Present address: Microbiology Section, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of London, Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AX, London, England

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbiology Section, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of London, Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AX, London, England

    J. T. Smith

  2. Department of Pharmacy, University of Aston in Birmingham, B4 7ET, Birmingham, England

    S. R. Hesslewood

Authors
  1. S. R. Hesslewood
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  2. J. T. Smith
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Hesslewood, S.R., Smith, J.T. Inhibition of R-factor-mediated β-lactamase by Proteus mirabilis . Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 40, 193–207 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394377

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394377

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