Abstract
Beta-lactamase production in Enterobacter cloacae ATCC. 13047 was enhanced by glycine, and the degree of enhancement was dependent on the concentration of glycine and the medium used. Maximum enhancement occurred with a concentration of 0.05 molesll of glycine, and of 4 media examined enhancement was greatest on Isosensitest Agar. Enhanced β-lactamase production evoked by glycine was compared with that following induction by various concentrations of cefoxitin. The amount of β-lactamase produced under conditions of maximum glycine enhancement was higher than that produced by cultures fully induced by cefoxitin. Other differences in the characteristics of the enhancement of β-lactamase production by glycine and β-lactarnase induced by cefoxitin suggested that the mechanisms of the 2 phenomena were different. The significance of this finding in terms of the interpretation of in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity tests with β-lactam antibiotics is discussed.