Subtilin-An Antibiotic Produced by Bacillus subtilis. I. Action on Various Organisms.

Summary The antibacterial product, subtilin, obtained from Bacillus subtills was found to be active chiefly against Gram-positive bacteria. Two notable exceptions to the rule were Neisseria catarrhalis and N. gonorrhoeae, both Gram-negative, but also antagonized by subtilin. Acid-fast organisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, were also found to be susceptible to the antibiotic. The agent produced a bacteriostatic action in high dilution and a germicidal effect in greater concentration. A number of pathogenic higher fungi were also found to be susceptible to subtilin.