Consensus on b-Lactamase Nomenclature

Abstract

Assigning names to b-lactamase variants has been inconsistent and has led to confusion in the published literature. The common availability of whole genome sequencing has resulted in an exponential growth in the number of new b-lactamase genes. In November 2021 an international group of b-lactamase experts met virtually to develop a consensus for the way naturally-occurring b-lactamase genes should be named. This document formalizes the process for naming novel b-lactamases, followed by their subsequent publication.