[Hygienic study of a proteolytic preparation obtained from Actinomyces]

An enzymatic preparation rimoprotelin, obtained from Actinomyces rumosus was studied. The results of a microbiological control analysis showed the preparation to contain admixtures of oxytetracycline in an amoun of 950 Un/g. In a 9-months long test with albino rats the enzymatic preparation produced substantial interferences in the composition to the intestinal microflora and increased the incidence of bacterial cultures resistent to oxytetracycline. Morphological changes in the organs and tissues of the test animals, which were, apparently, conditioned by the presence of the antibiotic admixture in the preparation were revealed. This point to the need of a thorough purification of this enzymatic preparation from the oxytetracycline admixture and makes its use as a food additive in its original form imposssible.