THE EFFECT OF TERRAMYCIN ON THE ANTAGONISM OF CERTAIN BACTERIA AGAINST SPECIES OF PROTEUS

Abstract

Several bacterial types were enumerated in the cecal contents of turkey poults fed a basal diet with and without terramycin supplementation. Terramycin supplementation caused a marked modification in members of the Gram-negative flora; the number of coliforms was greatly reduced while Proteus spp. became established. All the strains of Proteus studied appeared to be P. mirabilis. Organisms from the intestinal tract of turkey poults were demonstrated to be antagonistic to Proteus on solid media. Cultures of Proteus antagonists were identified as strains of Escherichia coli. Streptococcus faecalis, and S. liquefaciens. The min. inhibitory concns. of terramycin for some of the Proteus antagonists as well as for Proteus have been detd. Terramycin-susceptible Proteus antagonists might possibly be eliminated or reduced to nos. that would permit the establishment of the terramycin-resistant P. in the intestinal tract of turkey poults fed terramycin supplemented diets.