Reduced catalytic activity of KPC β-lactamase can increase ceftazidime resistance

Communications Biology 2026 Open access

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Authors: André Birgy, Dignite Fabrice Ngango, Murugesan Palaniappan, Shahlo O. Solieva, Devin G. Kelly, Zhizeng Sun, Gregory Bowman, Timothy Gerald Palzkill
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-09969-1
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

and shifts the rate-limiting step of catalysis to deacylation. Together, these mutations act cooperatively, reducing catalytic efficiency while promoting resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam. These findings reveal how epistatic interactions shape the evolution of clinically relevant β-lactamase variants and may help anticipate future resistance trajectories and guide inhibitor design.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria Antibiotics Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

Publication details

Journal / source
Communications Biology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
9
Issue
1
Publication date
7 April 2026
Language
EN