In vitro investigation of the indirect pathogenicity of beta-lactamase-producing microorganisms in the nasopharyngeal microflora

Our results suggest that these two species of beta-lactamase-producing microorganisms in the nasopharyngeal microflora may act as indirect pathogens on the antipneumococcul activities of beta-lactams with reflecting their substrate profiles, but this is dependent on sufficient amounts of enzyme for their influence as indirect pathogens.