Effect of Penicillinase on Circulating Penicillin

Abstract

WITH the long-acting depot penicillins in general use today, prolonged blood levels also prolong the sensitivity reactions when they occur. The use of ACTH and cortisone as anti-inflammatory agents to overcome the reaction is helpful, but the penicillin is still circulating in the blood stream.Penicillinase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes and inactivates penicillin, is formed by various bacteria (staphylococci, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus) and has previously only been used in bacteriologic mediums in vitro to inhibit penicillin in body fluids to be cultured. Its use in the treatment of penicillin reactions has not previously been suggested, studied or . . .