amphotericin B

amphotericin B ămˌfətĕrˈĭsĭn [key], antibiotic that halts the growth of several disease-causing fungi. Discovered in 1956, it is produced by bacteria of the genus Streptomyces. It is used in lotion or ointment form to treat fungal infections of the skin and is given internally only to patients with potentially fatal fungal infections. Amphotericin B is not effective against bacterial infections.

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