Beta-lactams

• What are the 4 main subclasses of beta-lactams?

  Penicillins

  Cephalosporins

  Carbapenems

  Monobactams
• What are the 4 mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactams?

  Decreased entry (porin mutations)

  Degrade antibiotic (beta lactamases)

  Remove antibiotic (efflux pumps)

  Altered target (PBP mutations)
• How do PBP mutations?

  Still have enzymatic activity for cell wall synthesis BUT have reduced affinity & don't bind to beta lactam antibiotics