Salmonellosis and Shigellosis at Boston City Hospital

Data from Boston City Hospital indicate the increasing occurrence of bacteremic infections due to enterobacteria and of deaths from such infections since the introduction and widespread use of modern antibacterial agents. The greatest increase in bacteremic infections occurred before broad-spectrum antibiotics became available and before antibiotic supplements were first used in animal feeds. No similar increases in salmonellosis or shigellosis have occurred at this hospital. These findings do not support the basis for the recommendation to discontinue use of certain antibacterial agents as feed supplements for animals, nor for the concern over the hazards to human health from such use. (JAMA229:1183-1186, 1974)