Consensus on beta-Lactamase Nomenclature

Assigning names to beta-lactamase variants has been inconsistent and has led to confusion in the published literature. The common availability of whole genome sequencing has resulted in an exponential growth in the number of new beta-lactamase genes. In November 2021 an international group of beta-lactamase experts met virtually to develop a consensus for the way naturally-occurring beta-lactamase genes should be named. This document formalizes the process for naming novel beta-lactamases, followed by their subsequent publication.