Bacitracin: A New Antibiotic Produced by a Member of the B. subtilis Group

Abstract

A new antibiotic "bacitracin" has been recovered from a strain of the B. subtilis group of organisms. It is neutral, water-soluble, non-toxic and relatively heat stable. In vitro it is active chiefly against Grampositive organisms, but the gonococcus and meningococcus are susceptible to its action. It is also active in vivo against experimentally produced hemolytic streptococcal infections in mice and gas gangrene infections in guinea pigs. Clinical use in hemolytic streptococcal and staphylococcal infections in man have given encouraging results.