Characterization of a Chromosomal Gene Encoding Type B β-Lactamase in Phage Group II Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

In contrast to most Staphylococcus aureus isolates in which the gene for staphylococcal β-lactamase (blaZ) is plasmid borne, isolates typeable by group II bacteriophages frequently carry blaZ on the chromosome. Furthermore, the chromosomal gene encodes the type B variant of staphylococcal β-lactamase for which the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences have not yet been reported. To better understand β-lactamase production among phage group II staphylococci and the nature of the type B β-lactamase, we determined the type and amount of enzyme produced by 24 phage group II isolates. Of these isolates, 1 did not produce β-lactamase, 8 produced the type B enzyme, and 15 produced the type C enzyme. In all eight type B β-lactamase-producing isolates, blaZ was located on the chromosome. This was in contrast to the type C β-lactamase-producing isolates, in which blaZ was located on a 21-kb plasmid. The nucleotide sequence corresponding to the leader peptide and the N-terminal 85% of the mature exoenzyme form of type B S. aureus was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed 3 residues in the leader peptide and 12 residues in the exoenzyme portion of the β-lactamase that differ from the prototypic type A β-lactamase sequence. These include the serine-to-asparagine change at residue 216 found in the kinetically similar type C enzyme, a threonine-to-lysine change at residue 128 close to the SDN loop (residues 130 to 132), and several substitutions not found in any of the other staphylococcal β-lactamases. In summary, modern isolates of S. aureus typeable by group II phages produce type B or type C staphylococcal β-lactamase. The type B gene resides on the chromosome and has a sequence that, when compared to the sequences of the other staphylococcal β-lactamases, corresponds well with its kinetic properties.