Five monomers with azole moieties were synthesized and their antimicrobial activities were investigated. The antimicrobial activity of the monomers was evaluated by the halo zone test method. The results strongly depended on the chemical structure of the group attached to the azole moieties. Polymers with (benzimidazol-2-yl)thio groups and with (5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio groups were synthesized. The shake flask test showed that the two polymers possessed excellent antimicrobial activity. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.