Evaluation of Antibiotic Therapy in Human Leptospirosis

Article1 November 1951EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY IN HUMAN LEPTOSPIROSISH. E. HALL, J. A. HIGHTOWER, R. DIAZ RIVERA, M.D., R. J. BYRNE, J. E. SMADEL, M.D., T. E. WOODWARD, M.D.H. E. HALLSearch for more papers by this author, J. A. HIGHTOWERSearch for more papers by this author, R. DIAZ RIVERA, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, R. J. BYRNESearch for more papers by this author, J. E. SMADEL, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, T. E. WOODWARD, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-35-5-981 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptPrior to the advent of antibiotics, many agents were employed for the therapy of leptospirosis. Walch-Sorgdrager1some years ago reviewed the earlier literature which described the use of arsenical and bismuth compounds and of immune serum. In brief, none of these earlier remedies has stood the test of time. Moreover, sulfonamides were devoid of therapeutic value.1-4Recently numerous investigators have described the beneficial effects of penicillin in human cases. Bulmer,5Patterson4and Suchett-Kaye6concluded that this antibiotic when used during the early stages of leptospirosis, i.e., before the onset of jaundice, was markedly effective in reducing fever, lessening the severity...Bibliography1. Walch-Sorgdrager B: Leptospiroses, Bull. Health Org., League of Nations 8: 143-386, 1939. Google Scholar2. AshePratt-ThomasKumpe WFHRCW: Weil's disease: A complete review of American literature and an abstract of the world literature, Medicine 20: 145-210, 1941. CrossrefGoogle Scholar3. Senekjie HA: The clinical manifestations of leptospirosis in Louisiana, J. A. M. A. 126: 5-10, 1944. CrossrefGoogle Scholar4. Patterson HM: Weil's disease—observation in 61 cases with special reference to the use of penicillin in 6 cases, J. A. M. 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Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: *Received for publication May 25, 1951.From The Tropical Research Medical Laboratory and the Municipal Hospitals, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Army Medical Service Graduate School, Washington, D. C.; and School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore.This study was supported in part by funds from the Commission on Immunization of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board and the Lederle Laboratories Division of the American Cyanamid Company. 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SHRIFTER, M.D., MURRAY FRANKLIN, M.D., F.A.C.P.Leptospiral infections of manPaper: Leptospirosis in tropical countries A reviewDiscussion: Treatment of Non-Tuberculous Meningitis [ Abridged ]Newer knowledge of leptospirosis in the United StatesCanicola Fever 1 November 1951Volume 35, Issue 5Page: 981-998KeywordsAntibioticsHealth services researchHispanic peopleHospital medicineImmune serumLeptospirosisMedical servicesPenicillinResearch laboratoriesSulfonamide ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 November 1951 PDF downloadLoading ...