Further Biological Properties of Trichothecin, an Antifungal Substance from Trichothecium roseum Link, and its Derivatives

Abstract

Production of trichothecin in submerged aerated cultures of a strain of Trichothecium roseum is described. The antibiotic is active in vitro against certain fungi pathogenic in man, including the causative organisms of some generalized infections and several of the common skin pathogens. In general, the sensitive pathogens were inhibited at trichothecin concentrations of 16 p.p.m. or less and the antifungal activity was not influenced by the presence of blood serum (5%) in the medium. Trichothecin is toxic to laboratory animals; single doses at the rate of 250 mg./kg. intravenously in mice and subcutaneously in rats resulted in death. The antibiotic also produced a reaction when brought into contact with the skin.