Comparison between antifungal and antibacterial activities of several strains of Epicoccum purpurascens from the Mediterranean area.

The antimicrobial activities of seven Epicoccum purpurascens strains isolated either from evergreen oak leaves (Quercus ilex) collected over a period of one year, or from the atmosphere were compared in vitro. Two strains sporulated and conspicuously inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Thin-layer chromatographic studies showed the existence of some compounds, such as flavipin, which were common to all the strains. Epicorazine B was present in the extracts of only the two most active strains.