Interaction of the aflatoxins with classical antibiotics which inhibit Bacillus brevis (2611).

Synergism, antagonism and addictive action are three modes of interaction among antibiotics and non-antibiotic compounds. The present paper reports the type of interaction between each of the four main members of the aflatoxin family (BB, G and G) and each of five commonly used classical antibiotics. The test aflatoxins were freshly prepared and confirmed crystalline pure by the use of ultraviolet (u.v.), infrared (i.r.) and nuclear magnetic resonane (n.m.r.) spectroscopy. Interaction between penicillin and aflatoxin B (AFB) gave an antagonistic profile. The interaction of AFB with tetracycline was synergistic. Novobiocin interaction with aflatoxin G also reflected synergism. All other characteristics of interaction between antibiotics and the aflatoxins showed additive profiles.