STUDIES ON THE MODE OF ACTION OF NOVOBIOCIN

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Abstract
Novobiocin is a new acidic antibiotic. Its activity in vitro is antagonized by the alkaline earth metals such as MgSO4. This antagonism occurs with Gram-negative bacteria, but not with Gram-positive bacteria. At subinhibitory concentrations novobiocin causes filamentation in Gram-negative but not in Gram-positive bacteria. These facts would seem to indicate a different mode of action against 2 types of bacteria. Novobiocin at partially inhibitory concentrations has no effect on ribose nucleic acid synthesis in Escherichia coli or Staphylo-coccus aureus. It may cause a slight reduction in desoxyribose-nucleic acid in these bacteria, but this reduction may not be significant.