Some Biological Properties of Trichothecin, an Antifungal Substance from Trichothecium roseum Link

Abstract

Maximum yields of trichothecin on the order of 100 mg. per liter were obtained on a modified Czapek-Dox medium containing ammonium tartrate instead of NaNO3 and including 5% glucose and 1% corn-steep liquor, in about 30 days, with 4 cm. depth of medium. Trichothecin had no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Bacillus subtilis or Bacterium coli. It was active against each of the 27 spp. of fungi examined. The growth of Penicillium digitatum, the most sensitive species investigated, was completely inhibited at 0.64 mg./liter.