'Bulbiformin', an antibiotic produced by Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

The antimicrobial spectrum of the antibiotic produced by Bacillus subtilis has indicated that it is chiefly antifungal. In the presence of the antibiotic, a characteristic bulb formation has been observed in the spores and hyphae of the test fungi. The active principle has been shown to be thermolabile. The importance of magnesium in relation to growth and antibiotic production has been indicated. Large quantities up to 30 p.p.m. are required for maximum production of the antibiotic which is not intracellular, but is secreted into the medium. The data presented suggest that the antibiotic under consideration is different from those of B. subtilis previously described, therefore the name proposed for this antibiotic is 'bulbiformin'.