Synergistic degradation of benzylpenicillin by aPseudomonas strain and aFusarium strain

APseudomonas sp. and aFusarium sp. were isolated from pasture soil. The organisms grew syntrophically on a mineral medium with benzylpenicillin as carbon and nitrogen source. During synergistic degradation of the antibiotic, benzylpenicilloic and benzylpenilloic acid were intermediates. Activities of both organisms were necessary for further decomposition, during which the phenylacetate side chain was degraded. 6-Aminopenicillanic acid did not occur. During syntrophic growth, a red pigment appeared in fungal hyphae growing through bacterial colonies.