African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (7), pp. 831-839, 2 April 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Review

Geographical evolution of the CTX-M β-lactamase – an update

Govinden, U.^1*, Mocktar, C.¹, Moodley, P.², Sturm, A. W.² and Essack S.Y.¹

¹School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, 4000.

²Nelson R Mandela, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, 4000.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: Govindenu@ukzn.ac.za. Tel: + 2731-2608251; Fax + 2731-2607792.

Accepted 23 January, 2007

The CTX-M- type extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) that preferentially hydrolyze cefotaxime are emerging globally and comprise of more than 50 enzymes. The emergence of novel CTX-M β-lactamases in several countries is noted as opposed to the transfer of established CTX-M genes from one country to another, suggestive of a de novo dissemination of CTX-M genes.

Key words: CTX-M β-lactamase, geographic evolution, epidemiology.