What type of bacteria is typically most susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics?

Beta-lactam antibiotics, which include penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, target the bacterial cell wall synthesis. Enterobacteriaceae, a family of bacteria that includes Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter species, are generally more susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics because their cell walls contain peptidoglycan, which these antibiotics disrupt.

The effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics against Enterobacteriaceae can vary based on specific strains and resistance mechanisms, but many of these organisms are still classified as susceptible, particularly those that do not produce beta-lactamases, enzymes that can inactivate these antibiotics.

In contrast, other bacterial groups mentioned, such as enterococci, are known for their intrinsic resistance to many beta-lactams, especially the commonly used penicillins. Mycobacteria, which include species such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, have a unique cell wall structure that is not effectively targeted by beta-lactams. Staphylococcus aureus has strains, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), that show resistance to many beta-lactams due to the production of penicillin-binding proteins that do not bind