It is now recognized, by all competent observers, that emetine is a specific therapeutic agent for the treatment of amoebic dysentery; but although it is known that a thorough course of emetine, in some form, will eradicate an infection withEntamoeba histolyticafrom most human beings, there is still complete ignorance as to how the cure is effected. The obvious hypothesis, that emetine is a specific poison forE. histolytica, has not hitherto been supported by adequate experimental evidence. It is true that observers have described experiments in which the alkaloid, in high dilution, has apparently killed various amoebaein vitro; but these experiments either ignored the peculiarly specific action of emetinein vivoonE. histolytica, or were carried out without adequate controls.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Dobell et al. (1926) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: