Discovery and Characterization of an Antibiotic from the Soil Bacterium <em>Bacillus</em> sp.

<p>Many important antibiotics have become nearly obsolete due to the rise of antibiotic resistant pathogens. <em>Rhodococcus</em>, an actinomycete related to the prolific antibiotic producing genus <em>Streptomyces</em>, harbors over 30 genes for secondary metabolism that could be involved in antibiotic production. Several antibiotics have already been reported for <em>Rhodococcus</em>, suggesting the genus may be a good source for new inhibitory compounds. Fifty four soil bacteria were isolated using enrichment culture techniques (including 37 <em>Rhodococcus</em>) and screened for antibiotic producers. BTHX2, a species of <em>Bacillus</em> was found to have activity against <em>Micrococcus luteus</em> and <em>Rhodococcus erythropolis</em>. BTHX2 has a 16S rDNA sequence 97% homologous to <em>Bacillus licheniformis</em>, and may be a new strain of <em>B. licheniformis</em>. The inhibitory substance produced by BTHX2 was and found to have a spectrum of activity against a broad Gram-positive bacteria and some fungus, and may have cytolytic activity.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Barber, Thomas S

• antibiotic
• antimicrobial
• Bacillus
• Rhodococcus
• Bacteriology
• Life Sciences
• Microbiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1777

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3132