Biomodification of albocycline by Streptomyces venezuelae

The macrolide antibiotic albocycline, when added to the fermentations of Streptomyces venezuelae UC-2560 (WC-3627) underwent a gradual loss of antimicrobial activity. The inactive product of this biotransformation was isolated from the fermentations and was shown to be 2,3-dihydroalbocycline.