Which of the following statements about erythromycin is incorrect?
- AIt is a macrocyclic compound
- BIt can be used as an antibiotic
- CIt has good coverage for legionellosis
- DIt cannot be produced by fermentation from a strain of *Saccharopolyspora erythraea*
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (d) It cannot be produced by fermentation from a strain of *Saccharopolyspora erythraea*
Explanation
Statement (d) is the incorrect one: erythromycin is produced by fermentation using the bacterium *Saccharopolyspora erythraea* (formerly *Streptomyces erythreus*).
The other statements are true:
- it is a macrolide, with a large macrocyclic lactone ring;
- it is an antibiotic, often used for people allergic to penicillin;
- it works against *Legionella*, the cause of legionellosis (Legionnaires' disease).