Streptococcus clavuligerus

Definition

Streptococcus clavuligerus is a bacterium known for producing clavulanic acid, a potent inhibitor of beta-lactamase enzymes. This property makes it significant in combating antibiotic resistance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Streptococcus clavuligerus produces clavulanic acid, which inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes.
2. Clavulanic acid is often combined with beta-lactam antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness.
3. The bacterium is gram-positive and falls under the Actinobacteria phylum.
4. It plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry for developing combination antibiotic therapies.
5. Streptococcus clavuligerus was first isolated from soil samples.

Review Questions

• What compound does Streptococcus clavuligerus produce that inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes?
• Why is Streptococcus clavuligerus important in the pharmaceutical industry?
• From what environment was Streptococcus clavuligerus initially isolated?

Related terms

Clavulanic Acid: A beta-lactamase inhibitor produced by Streptococcus clavuligerus.

Beta-Lactam Antibiotics:

A class of antibiotics that includes penicillin and cephalosporins, which target bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of an antibiotic that once could successfully treat the infection.