This episode is dedicated to the memory of the late George A. Jacoby, who was a pillar in the B-lactamase research community and a leader in the field of antimicrobial resistance. Assigning names to b-lactamase variants has been inconsistent and has led to confusion in the published literature. The common availability of whole genome sequencing has resulted in an exponential growth in the number of new b-lactamase genes. In November 2021 an international group of b-lactamase experts met virtually to develop a consensus for the way naturally-occurring b-lactamase genes should be named.

Topics discussed:

• The inconsistencies in B-lactamase nomenclature
• Guidelines for publication of new alleles and newly discovered B-lactamases 
• Future needs of consensus among the b-lactamase community

Guests:

• Patricia Bradford PhD., Antimicrobial Development Specialists LLC
• Karen Bush PhD, Professor of Practice, Biotechnology and Interim Director, Biotechnology Program, Indiana University.
• Robert Bonomo MD, Professor Case Western Reserve University, Director VA CARES Research Collaborative

Links:

Consensus on β-Lactamase Nomenclature https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aac.00333-22

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