The Antibiotic Properties of Fifty-two Strains of Fusarium

SUMMARY: Culture fluids of fifty-two strains of Fusarium spp. were examined for antibacterial activity. Four groups were distinguished: (a) six strains equally active against a strain of Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium phlei strain 1; (b) sixteen strains much less active against Staph. aureus than against Myco. phlei 1; (c) fourteen strains inactive against Staph. aureus, active against Myco. phlei 1; (d) sixteen strains inactive against both Staph. aureus and Myco. phlei 1, of which six were active against Myco. phlei strain 2.

Examination of pure antibiotic substances isolated from the culture fluids of nine of the strains showed them to be both bacteriostatic and bactericidal; they were very active against mycobacteria and effective to a lesser degree against other Gram-positive bacteria. They were ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.