Some Physical and Biologic Properties of Subtilin and Other Antibiotics.

Subtilin, a new antibiotic obtained from B. subtilis, proved active in vitro against L. plantarum, E. histolytica and its associated bacterium ;t', and T. equiperdum without causing immediate hemolysis of erythrocytes. Subtilin is tensioactive, and amounts required for antibiotic effect are within the range of surface tension activity. It was relatively nontoxic for four species of mammals, especially after intragastric administration. Gramicidin is more hemolytic and more toxic than subtilin.