What does the beta-lactam disk (Cefinase disk) test detect?

The beta-lactam disk (Cefinase disk) test specifically detects the production of beta-lactamases, which are enzymes that confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin and cephalosporins. In this test, a bacterial isolate is placed on a disk infused with a beta-lactam antibiotic, such as nitrocefin (the active component of the Cefinase disk). If the bacteria produce beta-lactamases capable of hydrolyzing the beta-lactam ring of the antibiotic, a color change occurs in the media surrounding the disk, signaling a positive result.

This test is particularly useful for identifying bacteria that have developed resistance mechanisms, informing appropriate antibiotic therapy. Understanding this mechanism helps clinical microbiologists assess susceptibility patterns and manage antibiotic resistance effectively. The other options do not specifically relate to the Cefinase disk test; for instance, while resistance to penicillin can be associated with beta-lactamase production, the test's primary focus is the enzymatic activity itself. The presence of streptococcus and the ability to hydrolyze bile are unrelated to the function of the beta-lactam disk test.