Grisein, an Antibiotic Produced by Certain Strains of Streptomyces griseus

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Abstract
Grisein is produced by certain strains of S. griseus. Its concn. in the metabolite soln. is measured by using a streptomycin-resistant strain of Escherichia coli, in order to avoid possible contamination with any streptomycin that the organism may produce. The production of grisein is favored by the presence of Fe compounds in the medium. Grisein is similar in its antibacterial properties to streptomycin and streptothricin, but it is characterized by a much narrower antibiotic spectrum. It favors more readily the development of resistant strains than the other 2 antibiotics. Grisein is a neutral compound, soluble in water, resistant to heat and to acid at room temp. Its antibacterial activity in the medium is reduced by a decrease in pH. Grisein is not affected by sulfhydryl or carbonyl group reagents. It is active against strains of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus made resistant to streptomycin and streptothricin; it also produces a synergistic effect with the above 2 antibiotics upon bacteria sensitive to grisein. Grisein possesses only limited toxicity to exptl. animals, and is active in vivo against bacteria sensitive to it in vitro.

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