Molecular basis of ampC hyperproduction in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli

Abstract

DNA sequencing data showed that five clinical isolates of Escherichia coli with reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefotaxime contain an ampC gene that is preceded by a strong promoter. Transcription from the strong promoter was 8- to 18-fold higher than that from the promoter from a susceptible isolate. RNA studies showed that mRNA stability does not play a role in the control of AmpC synthesis.