Olivanic acids, a family of .BETA.-lactam antibiotics with .BETA.-lactamase inhibitory properties produced by Streptomyces species. I. Detection, properties and fermentation studies.

Abstract
The screening of soil actinomycetes for .beta.-lactamase inhibitors is described. Using a plate test a number of strains of Streptomyces produced .beta.-lactamase inhibitory activity, designated the olivanic acid complex. Factors affecting the production of this complex by S. olivaceus ATCC 21379 are reported. The complex showed antibacterial activity and also inhibited a number of different types of .beta.-lactamase in a progressive manner. Certain ampicillin-resistant bacteria are rendered sensitive to ampicillin in the presence of olivanic acid complex at a concentration which alone did not inhibit growth.

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