Destomycin A was found in the culture broth of Streptomyces rimofaciens by Meiji Seika Kaisha in 1965 in the course of screening for water-soluble and basic antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides. It shows activity against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi and, more interestingly, against helminths. Destomycin A has been used to treat helminth infections in swine and poultry.
White powder, easily soluble in water and lower alcohol, and is extremely stable in sealed, moisture-proof and room temperature storage.
Demycin A is currently mainly used in feed to prevent and control digestive tract parasites in chickens and pigs.
Demycin A is produced by fermentation of Actinomyces rimofaciens nov.sp.
