THE USE OF PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID IN ENDEMIC (MURINE) TYPHUS

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Abstract
Evidence gradually is accumulating that para-aminobenzoic acid is effective in experimental infections induced by several types of rickettsial organisms. Studies on yolk sacs infected with Rickettsia prowazeki (epidemic typhus)1 have shown that para-aminobenzoic acid is reasonably effective in inhibiting the growth of the organisms. A similar effect was observed when penicillin was used.2 Under the same circumstances para-aminobenzoic acid was remarkably effective in eggs infected with Rickettsia mooseri (murine typhus).1 The organisms of spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii) were inhibited in chick embryos3 even more easily than were the organisms of murine typhus. On the other hand, there was no appreciable effect on Rickettsia orientalis.3 An inhibitory effect was also observed in guinea pigs infected with R. rickettsii.4 Experimental infections of rodents with R. orientalis were amenable to therapy with para-aminobenzoic acid when the drug was given by simultaneous oral and parenteral administration.5 Clinically,