Ambler Classification of β-lactamases

February 28, 2020

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ARM-D

The Ambler Classification system, based on amino acid homology, is the most commonly used method to classify β-lactamases. β-lactamases are the primary cause of bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The Ambler Classification system is considered the simplest classification scheme of β-lactamases:

Class A

TEM-1, 2
SHV-1
ESBLs, KPC

Class B

MBLs
NDM, IMP, VIM

Class C

ampC
CMY

Class D

Did you know?

Widespread use of extended-spectrum antibiotics has led to the emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) including CTX-M-14, CTX-M-15, GES, TEM and SHV-type enzymes.

Who was R.P. Ambler? In his research, Ambler, Head of the Department of Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, employed protein sequencing to cast light on evolutionary relationships between organisms, an approach that is now known as ‘molecular taxonomy’. He played a key role in 1978 in validating one of the first published nucleic sequences, and thus symbolically marking the beginning of the transition to the current era of microbiology.

In 1980, Ambler divided β-lactamases into the four classes based on their sequence similarity. Classes A, C and D function by the serine ester hydrolysis mechanism, whereas class B β-lactamases, also known as metallo β-lactamases, have a zinc ion participating in catalysis.

Did you know?

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is an urgent threat for public health. Some of the most common carbapenemases include KPC, NDM, IMP, OXA and VIM-type enzymes.

Streck’s antibiotic resistance monitoring and detection (ARM-D) kits, which allow lab personnel to detect the most clinically important β-lactamases for current and emerging threats and can be used as part of a hospital surveillance program.

For more information about Streck ARM-D^® Kits click here.

Streck ARM-D Kits are for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.