What type of organisms can be identified using the beta-lactamase test?

The beta-lactamase test is primarily designed to identify organisms that produce the beta-lactamase enzyme, which provides resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins. While this mechanism is commonly found in many gram-negative bacteria, particularly within Enterobacteriaceae like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, it can also be found in some gram-positive organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Thus, the scope of the test extends beyond just gram-negative organisms. The correct understanding is that the beta-lactamase test is utilized for both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria that may produce this enzyme, indicating that the answer must acknowledge the presence of such a test across different bacterial classifications, rather than being limited to one group.