SUPPRESSION OF CERTAIN VIRAL LESIONS BY A MICROBIAL PRODUCT, XEROSIN, LACKING IN DEMONSTRABLE ANTIVIRAL PROPERTIES AND PRODUCED BY ACHROMOBACTER XEROSIS, N. SP

Abstract

The development of pneumonia in mice following infection with mouse pneumonitis virus (Miyagawanella bronchopneumoniae) and influenza B virus was suppressed by daily parenteral injns. of the microbial product, xerosin (formerly designated APM). Xerosin failed to affect viral synthesis in vivo and did not possess antiviral properties in vitro. Admn. of xerosin in concert with Aureo-mycin, Terramycin, and chloromycetin enhanced the therapeutic effectiveness of the last 3 agents. Mortality following intra-cerebral but not intraven. inoculation of toxic doses of influenza A virus was reduced by parenteral admn. of xerosin. Toxicity of influenza A virus for mice was not altered by contact in vitro with xerosin. The suggestion,that substances other than those affecting viral multiplication may prove to be helpful in achieving effective therapy of viral diseases is supported by the data available on xerosin.