Affinity of cefmenoxime for beta-lactamases: an analysis.

The interactions of cefmenoxime with beta-lactamases in comparison with cefotaxime, moxalactam, cefoperazone, and ceftazidime have been determined. On-line computerized microacidimetry allowed determination of the affinity of these compounds with the enzymes, which was characterized by Km values. The beta-lactamases that were used were two cephalosporinases and one penicillinase. Within these data, the cephalosporins could be classified into three groups: (1) those with high affinity for the cephalosporinases and very poor affinity for the penicillinase (cefmenoxime, cefotaxime, and moxalactam); (2) those with moderate affinity for the cephalosporinases and very poor affinity for the penicillinase (ceftazidime); (3) those with poor affinity for all enzymes (cefoperazone). In the case of the penicillinase (TEM-1), only cefoperazone was subject to some hydrolysis.