cycloserine

drug

Also known as: Oxamycin, Seromycin

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Cycloserine is a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces orchidaceus. It is primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Cycloserine functions as a structural analog of the amino acid d-alanine, interfering with enzymes essential for the incorporation of d-alanine into the bacterial cell wall. This mechanism disrupts the formation of the bacterial cell wall, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. Cycloserine is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and effectively penetrates most tissues.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

antibiotic
Antituberculosis antibiotics
Cycloserine, an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces orchidaceus, is also used in the treatment of tuberculosis. A structural analog of the amino acid d-alanine, it interferes with enzymes necessary for incorporation of d-alanine into the bacterial cell wall. It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract…
Read More
Cycloserine, an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces orchidaceus, is also used in the treatment of tuberculosis. A structural analog of the amino acid d-alanine, it interferes with enzymes necessary for incorporation of d-alanine into the bacterial cell wall. It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract…
Read More

obsessive-compulsive disorder
…traditionally used for tuberculosis, d-cycloserine, has also been shown, when used in combination with behavioral therapy, to increase the rate of fear extinction in patients with OCD. The highest rates of the condition occur in high-stress groups, such as those who are young, divorced, or unemployed.
Read More
…traditionally used for tuberculosis, d-cycloserine, has also been shown, when used in combination with behavioral therapy, to increase the rate of fear extinction in patients with OCD. The highest rates of the condition occur in high-stress groups, such as those who are young, divorced, or unemployed.
Read More