USE OF THE CHROMOSOMAL CLASS-A BETA-LACTAMASE OF MYCOBACTERIUM-FORTUITUM D316 TO STUDY POTENTIALLY POOR SUBSTRATES AND INHIBITORY BETA-LACTAM COMPOUNDS

Sixteen different compounds usually considered beta-lactamase stable o r representing potential beta-lactam inhibitors and inactivators were tested against the beta-lactamase produced by Mycobacterium fortuitum. The compounds exhibiting the most interesting properties were BRL4271 5, which was by far the best inactivator, and CGP31608 and ceftazidime , which were not recognized by the enzyme. These compounds thus exhibi ted adequate properties for fighting mycobacterial infections. Althoug h cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, cefoxitin, and CP65207-2 exhibited poor inhibitory efficiency against the enzyme, they were also rather poor s ubstrates and might be considered potential antimycobacterial agents. By contrast, CGP31523A and ceftamet were good substrates.