The Effect of Penicillin Prophylaxis on Streptococcal Disease Rates and the Carrier State

Abstract

CRITICAL situations arise in the armed forces during periods of mobilization when the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis reaches such levels as to interfere seriously with military training and operations. Complete information about the most feasible method for preventing or terminating these epidemics is lacking. This report presents the findings of several field trials conducted at an Air Force base for the purpose of evaluating penicillin as an agent for prophylaxis of epidemic streptococcal disease. The observations are divided into two parts: pilot studies comparing the effects of several regimens of penicillin on the carrier state in small selected . . .