Subtilin-An Antibiotic Produced by Bacillus subtilis. I. Action on Various Organisms.

Abstract

The antibacterial product, subtilin, obtained from Bacillus subtilis, was found to be active chiefly against Gram-positive bacteria. Two notable exceptions to the rule were Neisseria catarrhalis and N. gonorrhoeae, both Gram-negative, but also antagonized by subtilin. Acid-fast organisms, including Myco-bacterium tuberculosis, were also found to be susceptible to the antibiotic. The agent produced a bacteriostatic action in high dilution and a germicidal effect in greater conc. Several pathogenic higher fungi were also found to be susceptible to subtilin.