Virginiamycin
Also known as: Bactocill, Eskalin, Stafac, Streptogramin A/B mixture, Virginiamycin M1, Virginiamycin M1 + S1, Virginiamycin S1, VM
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Summary
Virginiamycin is a mixture of two streptogramin peptides (virginiamycin M1 and S1) used primarily as a veterinary feed additive for growth promotion and disease prevention in livestock.
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit; component A blocks the peptide‑exit tunnel, component B interferes with peptidyl transferase activity, producing synergistic bacteriostatic effect.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Gram-positive bacterial infection treatmentAntimicrobialLow
- Prevention of necrotic enteritis in poultryVeterinary / Infectious DiseaseModerate
- Prevention of bacterial enteric infections in animalsVeterinaryModerate
- Growth promotion in livestockVeterinary / AgriculturalModerate
Contraindications
- Pregnant or lactating animalsReproductiveModerate
- Known hypersensitivity to streptograminsAllergyHigh
- Human therapeutic useRegulatory/safetyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Residue accumulation in food productsFood SafetyUnknown
- Selection for streptogramin-resistant enterococci (VRE)Antimicrobial ResistanceUnknown
- DiarrheaGastrointestinalCommonLoose or frequent stools
- Gastrointestinal upset (in treated animals)GastrointestinalUncommon
- Selection of resistant bacteriaMicrobialCommon
Drug Interactions
- Other protein synthesis inhibitorsModerate
- Quinupristin/dalfopristin (Synercid)High
Population Constraints
- Humans (general)Regulatory / SafetyAbsolute
- EU livestockGeographic / RegulatoryAbsolute
- Human patientsClinicalAbsolute
- Organic-certified livestock operationsAgricultural RegulatoryAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionWithdrawnBanned for use in animal feed due to resistance concerns.
- United StatesWithdrawnNo longer approved for use as a growth promoter; not approved for human medicine.
- United KingdomWithdrawnSame as EU.
Withdrawn or not approved for human use in the US and EU; historically approved for veterinary use but many jurisdictions have restricted or banned its use as a growth promoter due to antimicrobial resistance concerns.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virginiamycin?
Virginiamycin is a mixture of two streptogramin peptides (virginiamycin M1 and S1) used primarily as a veterinary feed additive for growth promotion and disease prevention in livestock.
What is Virginiamycin used for?
Virginiamycin is educationally associated with: Gram-positive bacterial infection treatment, Prevention of necrotic enteritis in poultry, Prevention of bacterial enteric infections in animals, Growth promotion in livestock. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Virginiamycin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Oral.
What are the potential side effects of Virginiamycin?
Reported adverse effects include: Residue accumulation in food products, Selection for streptogramin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset (in treated animals), Selection of resistant bacteria. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Virginiamycin?
Recorded contraindications: Pregnant or lactating animals, Known hypersensitivity to streptogramins, Human therapeutic use. Consult a qualified clinician before use.