The Production of an Antibiotic Substance Similar to Penicillin by Pathogenic Fungi (Dermatophytes)

Abstract

Several members of the group of fungi occurring in clinical lesions of dermatophytosis elaborate a factor antagonistic to certain other microorganisms. Strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolated from human cases of dermatophytosis produced an antibiotic factor in glucose-peptone broth; 2 strains from animal sources did not. A strain of Microsporon canis and M. audouini were not found to produce an antibiotic factor while a strain of Epidermophyton floccosum was able to produce a penicillin-like factor. This factor appeared to be similar to penicillin in the following respects: enhanced production on media containing corn steep liquor; spectrum of activity and behavior toward penicillin resistant organisms; sensitivity to pH and temp.; destruction bv clarase.