ANTIMICROBIAL ACTION OF NITROGEN-CONTAINING STEROIDS

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Abstract
Smith, RodneyF. (University of Maryland, Baltimore),Donald E. Shay, and Norman J. Doorenbos. Antimicrobial action of nitrogen-containing steroids. J. Bacteriol.85:1295–1299. 1963.—A new group of 16 synthetic nitrogen-containing steroids have been tested against a variety of microorganisms for antimicrobial properties. The gradient plate screening method, serial dilution, and dry weight techniques were used in the studies. The organisms tested consisted of 14 gram-negative bacteria, 10 gram-positive bacteria, 2 actinomycetes, 7 yeasts, and 8 molds. Inhibitory properties were found to be specific and potent in four compounds, with inhibitory concentrations as low as 0.37 μg/ml. Three of the active steroids are 4-aza cholestanes and one is a 4-nor-3,5-secocholestane amide. Sensitivity to the compounds was greatest in the gram-positive bacteria, followed by the yeasts and molds. The gram-negative bacteria were not inhibited. All 16 steroids interfered to some extent with pigmentation inSerratia marcescensbut not with pigment production inPseudomonas aeruginosa. In a few instances, some of the molds were stimulated by the steroids at a concentration of 250 μg/ml.

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