THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS CONDITIONED BY SULFONAMIDES.

Abstract

Prolonged treatment of physically normal children with sulfadiazine causes changes in the bacterial flora of the throat, as demonstrable on blood agar plates. The most striking change is a rapid disappearance of the Gram-negative cocci. This action is transitory, however, since the cocci return in their original frequency in spite of continued treatment. Associated with the reappearance of the Gram-negative cocci, it is possible to show an enhanced tolerance for the drug on the part of the bacteria. Although the numerical incidence of pneumococcus remains more or less constant during treatment, there is evidence, not now described, of great changes in immunological types. The effect on hemolytic streptococci is not conclusive, but the data suggest a partial inhibitory action by sulfadiazine. Other organisms as staphylococci, Streptococcus [alpha] and [gamma], diphtheroids, Sarcina, tetragenus and Hemophilus influenzae are not noticeably affected under the conditions outlined.