Studies on Aspergillus Flavus

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Abstract
By selection of certain variants from a strain of A. flavus high yields of an antibiotic substance, previously described by White and called aspergillic acid, were obtained. The fluid medium of choice contained 2% tryptone, 2% brown sugar and 0.5% NaCl. After the mold had grown on such medium for 10 days filtrates yielded 250 to 400 mg. of crystalline aspergillic acid per liter. Activity was assayed both by an 18-hr. antibacterial test using Streptococcus pyogenes and by a 80-minute antiluminescent test using Photobacterium fischeri. Assays by this latter method, in which aspergillic acid interfered with the bio-luminescence of the organisms, paralleled those obtained by the antibacterial test. Aspergillic acid proved to be active against gram-positive cocci and to a lesser degree against the anaerobes which produce gas gangrene and the gram-negative bacilli.

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