Identification of erythromycin derivative from the preputial gland of the lesser bandicoot rat

Abstract

GC-MS analysis of the preputial gland extracts of lesser bandicoot rat revealed that nine major components are present in both male and female. The antibiotic compound, erythromycin derivative, was also identified as a major fraction irrespective of male and female. The presence of erythromycin derivative suggests that the antibiotic may be secreted from a symbiant bacterium and served as a naturally occurring medicine which protect the rats against the pathogens.