Novobiocin, a newly developed antibiotic that is produced by a species of Streptomyces, was discovered almost simultaneously by two independent groups of investigators.* As reported by Frost and co-workers 3 and Wilkins and co-workers,4 novobiocin was active in vivo and in vitro against Gram-positive cocci, Proteus, corynebacterium, Pasteurella, and Neisseria. No cross resistance has been found between novobiocin and other clinically useful antibiotics. Although the drug was obtained from two different sources, the common identity of the compound has been established by the infrared absorption spectrum and chemical and biologic methods.†
We have used novobiocin in the treatment of 75 patients with various diseases. This paper presents the results obtained.
Methods
Seventy-three patients were treated at the Research and Educational Hospitals, University of Illinois, and the Westside Veterans Administration Hospital and one case each at Hines Veterans Administration and the Cook County Hospital. We are indebted to the staffs