Inhibition of Protein Synthesis by Fusidic and Helvolinic Acids, Steroidal Antibiotics

Abstract

Fusidic¹⁾ and helvolinic²⁾ acids are produced by fungi and belong to the group of steroidal antibiotics of protolanostane skeleton, together with helvolic acid³⁾ and cephalosporin P₁⁴⁾. Helvolinic acid is also obtained by partial hydrolysis of helvolic acid. They exhibit an antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms, including penicillinresistant Staphylococci.