ANTIBACTERIAL ACTION OF A REACTION PRODUCT OF CYSTEINE AND IRON: I. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBSTANCE IN MEDIA FORMYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Growth of M. tuberculosis or a rapidly growing strain of Mycobacterium in Dubos'' medium is not influenced by the addition of low concentrations of cysteine or ferric salts, when added separately. But when cysteine and a ferric salt, both in low concentrations, are autoclaved together in the medium, the medium will not support growth of Mycobacterium. This inhibitory action only occurs when the cysteine-Fe containing medium is at pH 6.8 or lower. It is concluded that cysteine and ferric Fe react in acid solution to produce a toxic end product.