Relationship between resistance to metallic ions and production of beta-lactamase in strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Thirty five strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis were tested for resistance to penicillin G, erythomycin, metallic ions Zn, As3, As5, Cd, Hg, Pb and activity of beta-lactamase. These studies have shown that the majority of tested staphylococci were resistant to penicillin G, erythromycin, and produced beta-lactamase. No correlation between the activity of beta-lactamase and the resistance to metallic ions has been shown.