Bacterial Detoxification

Abstract

Detoxication of bacteria by chemical means, e.g., by mixture with dilute solutions of Na ricinoleate, has not yet been explained, except theoretically. Quite apparently it is due to several factors, the most important of which, perhaps, is low surface tension. Na and triethanolamine ricinoleates in 3% aqueous solution detoxified a virulent culture of Staphylococcus aureus sufficiently to prevent abscess formation when it was injected subcutaneously into albino rats. Methyl ricinoleate was ineffective. Tubercle bacilli were partially detoxified by Na (3%), triethanolamine (3%) and ephedrine (2%) ricinoleates. This protective action against bacteria and their toxins was in no case due to germicidal activity. Bacterial detoxification is a therapeutic method which warrants further application and study. A review of the literature with 131 references is given.