1. An isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T).

2. A microorganism according to claim 1 which is an actinomycete strain.

3. A microorganism according to either one of claims 1 and 2 from the genus Streptomyces,

4. A microorganism according to claim 3 from the family Streptomycetaceae.

5. A microorganism according to claim 4 wherein the microorganism is Streptomyces polyantibioticus.

6. A microorganism according to claim 5 including genetic material of GenBank accession number DQ141528 (16S-rDNA-sequence) (SEQ ID NO:4).

7. A biologically pure culture having identifying characteristics of GenBank accession number DQ141528 (16S-rDNA-sequence).

8. Actinomycete strain SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T).

9. A method of producing 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof, the method comprising recovering the 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof from a microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T).

10. 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof recovered from an isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T) having identifying characteristics of GenBank accession number DQ141528 (16S-rDNA-sequence).

11. Use of 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof which are recovered from an isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= 39

DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T), as an antimicrobial agent including use in the treatment of influenza, tuberculosis and/or other bacterial infections.

12. A composition for use as an antimicrobial agent, the composition comprising an effective amount of 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof which are recovered from an isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T(= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T).

13. 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof which are recovered from an isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T) for use as an antimicrobial agent.

14. 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof which are recovered from an isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^T = NRRL B-24448 ^T) for use in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an antimicrobial agent including use in the treatment of influenza, tuberculosis and/or other bacterial infections.

15. Use of 2,5-diphenyloxazole or variants or derivatives thereof which are recovered from an isolated microorganism of the strain type SPR ^T (= DSM 44925 ^1" = NRRL B-24448 ^T) in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an antimicrobial agent including use in the treatment of influenza, tuberculosis and/or other bacterial infections.

16. An isolated polynucleotide of GenBank accession number DQ141528 (16S-rDNA-sequence).

17. An isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a polynecleotide of GenBank accession number DQ141528 (16S-rDNA-sequence).

18. An isolated microorgansim according to the invention, substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.

19. An isolated polynucleotide sequence according to the invention, substantially as hereinbefore described or exemplified.