Some Properties of an Antibiotic Obtained from a Species of Streptomyces

Abstract

A Strepto-myces isolated from soil on the South Farm, Univ. of Illinois, inhibits at least 22 Gram-negative, Gram-positive and acid-fast bacteria including some pathogenic types. The antibiotic can be produced in liquid media and extracted with ether. The crystalline antibiotic melts at 147[degree]C and has a peak u.-v. adsorption in water at 278 mu. It is relatively insoluble in water and petroleum ether but soluble in ether, butanol, ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol. The antibiotic is stable to heat, to acid, and to alkali and is readily adsorbed by charcoal and alumina. The compound contained N and halogen but no S and gave negative Sakaguchi and Pauly tests. No toxicity was observed when 20-g. mice were injd. subcut. with 10 mg. of the antibiotic. Chem. and biol. properties indicate its identity with chloromycetin. The Streptomyces is readily attacked by an S. griseus phage.