EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8)  pertaining  to  the  1993  Amended   Incentive  Stock  Plan  of  Microcide
Pharmaceuticals,  Inc. of our report dated February 9, 1998, with respect to the
financial  statements  of  Microcide  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  for the year ended
December 31, 1997,  included in its Annual  Report on Form 10-K,  filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                     Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California

July 7, 1998


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