Phlebotomus martini — a Probable Vector of Kala-azar in Kenya

BmISH 835 pneumonitis, although the data are inadequate for probit analysis of relative potencies.In previous studies (see Florey, 1952), as also in this, penicillin seemed to limit the multiplication of the organisms rather than to destroy them.When the lungs of apparently healthy mice at the end of the period of treatment were examined no lesions could be seen, but when they were homogenized and passed u-ndiluted to untreated mice, the latter died with typical signs of mouse pneumonitis.Only one mouse in the whole series died after cessation of treatment, however, so the mice had clearly developed resistance (presumably mediated by antibody) against the organisms harboured in their lungs.CONCLUSION Mouse pneumonitis, a typical organismn of the psittacosis-lymphogranuloma group, was more sensitive to ampicillin than to benz'ylpenicillin.Since ampicillin is non-toxic, acid-stable, and suitable for oral admini- stration, it may bo of value in treatment of human infections with organisms of the same group.