Presence of β-Lactamases Encoding Genes in Soil Samples from Different Origins

The functional classification of beta-lactamases is done through assessing their ability to hydrolyze specific beta-lactams and its inactivation by inhibitors. This study investigated the beta-lactamases encoding genes present in soil samples from different origins (landfill, preservation area, and soil from a farm). Genes codifying for ESBL enzymes bla(SHV), bla(TEM-116) and bla(OXA-1) were found in all analyzed samples. Gene for ESBL bla(CTX-M-14) was detected in the landfill and farm soil samples, but they were not found in the preservation area, while bla(OXA-48-like) was present just in the soil from the landfill. The gene for the MBL bla(VIM) was found in the soil sample from a farm. The results indicate that bla(SHV), bla(TEM-116), and bla(OXA-1) genes are scattered in soils with and without potential contaminants; however, genes bla(CTX-M-14), bla(OXA-48), and bla(VIM) were detected just in polluted areas.