Class A Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (Class A ESBL)

Class A extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by Gram-negative bacteria that confer resistance to a broad range of β-lactam antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins and monobactams. They hydrolyze the β-lactam ring, rendering the antibiotics ineffective. These enzymes are inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors like clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam. The presence of class A ESBLs in pathogens leads to limited treatment options due to multidrug resistance and poses a significant challenge in both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.

Other names

ESBLExtended-Spectrum beta-lactamaseTEM-type ESBLSHV-type ESBLCTX-M-type ESBL

Hydrolyzes β-lactam ring of antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. Inhibitors such as clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam bind to the active site, preventing the hydrolysis of β-lactam antibiotics.