To Be A Beta-Lactamase, Or To Not Be A Beta-Lactamase

Elizabethkingia anophelis is a bacterium discovered in the gut of mosquitoes and is responsible for causing meningitis in infants in underdeveloped countries. This bacteria has an ability to confer antibiotic resistance to different classes of antibiotics. The enzyme responsible for this occurrence is a Beta-lactamase enzyme that hydrolyzes carbon bonds in antibiotics, thus breaking them apart. We investigated the presence of this Beta-lactamase and its true function through the use of DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and DNA ligation to insert the cloned sequence into E.coli for antibiotic screening. The results showed a positive confirmation of the possible Beta-lactamase, however the true strength of its antibiotic resistant properties was not fully discovered. Our research highlights the use of DNA ligation and Polymerase Chain Reaction to separate DNA strands and identify potential true Beta-lactamases.