Lysobactin, a novel antibacterial agent produced by Lysobacter sp. II. Biological properties.

Lysobactin, an antibiotic isolated from a strain of Lysobacter, is 2 to 4-fold more active than vancomycin against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria. Included in the spectrum of lysobactin are Staphylococci, Streptococci, corynebacteria, clostridia and various other Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria. The activity of lysobactin against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria is poor. When given parenterally the compound was efficacious in systemic staphylococcal and streptococcal infections in mice. Similarly, when applied topically lysobactin was also curative in a staphylococcal wound infection in mice. Some studies on the mode of action of lysobactin are presented.