Factors affecting the synthesis and distribution of β-lactamase in Mycobacterium smegmatis SN2 cultures

Abstract

A high level of extracellular β-lactamase activity was detected in cultures of Mycobacterium smegmatis SN2. The extracellular distribution of the enzyme varied with growth conditions such as additional carbon source and pH of the medium. Addition of chloramphenicol tothe culture inhibited the increase in the extracellular β-lactamase activity. Cell wall damage or autolysis may be responsible for the extracellular β-lactamase activity.