Detection of amp C in Enterobacter cloacae in China

PCR amplification of 55 strains of Enterobacter cloacae indicated 51 of the m had amp C structural gene verified by DNA sequence and Southern blotting. All PCR products were cleaved into 666- and 328-bp fragments by Kpn1 restr iction enzyme. Imipenem was the most potent inducer for mRNA expression of amp C gene and beta -lactamase activity. The beta -Lactamase inhibitor R048 1220 strongly inhibited Amp C beta -lactamases, 96.4% (53/55) of Enterobact er cloacae producing Amp C enzyme were susceptible to cefepime. (C) 2001 El sevier Science B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights r eserved.