In 1939, coinciding with the start of World War II, Rene Dubos reported the discovery of the first naturally derived antibiotic, tyrothricin, a compound of 20% gramicidin and 80% tyrocidine, from B. brevis. It was one of the first commercially manufactured antibiotics universally and was very effective in treating wounds and ulcers during World War II. Gramicidin, however, could not be used systemically because of toxicity. Tyrocidine also proved too toxic for systemic usage. Research results obtained during that period were not shared between the Axis and the Allied powers during the war. COUNT 5
QSN1 What was the first antibiotic developed from nature? ANS1 tyrothricin QSN2 When was tyrothricin created? ANS2 1939 QSN3 What also happened in 1939 besides tyrothricin? ANS3 start of World War II, QSN4 Who discovered tyrothricin? ANS4 Rene Dubos QSN5 What was tyrothricin used for during the war? ANS5 wounds and ulcers