Effect of growth conditions and storage on the specific activity of beta-lactamases of Bacteroides spp.

The influences of growth conditions and cold storage on the specific activity of beta-lactamases of four strains of Bacteroides spp. was studied. Interbatch variation was observed in extracts prepared in an identical way on separate occasions but less variation was observed in extracts prepared from bacteria grown on Brain Heart Infusion agar supplemented with yeast extract, haemin and menadione, than in similar extracts of bacteria grown in broth or on other solid media. The loss of enzyme activity seen during the stationary phase of growth of some strains in broth was minimal during incubation for 48 h on agar. Storage of enzyme extracts at 4 degrees C was associated with loss of enzyme activity, but activity was retained during storage at -70 degrees C for up to 32 days. Freezing and thawing had little effect on enzyme activity.