The Mode of Action of Nitrofuran Compounds

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Abstract
The mode of antibacterial action of 2-(5-nitro)-furaldehyde semicarbazone, 2-(5-nitro)-furyl methyl ketone, 2-(5-nitro)-furoic acid, propyl-2-(5-nitro)-furoate, ethyl- -2-(5-nitro)-furacrylate, and 2-(5-nitro)-furfuryl propionate was studied in broth, rabbit blood, and rabbit serum. The activity of these compounds was examined qualitatively and quantitatively by comparisons of population changes in test samples with population changes in control cultures of Staphylococcus aureus. 4 compounds were capable of sterilizing the inoculum in broth. This effect was modified by serum and blood as the test medium. 5 compounds are bacteriostatic by reducing the rate of growth; in 4 cases this may, at the proper conc., be preceded by a slight bactericidal effect. The influence of conc. and medium was discussed. The possible relations between structure and mode of action were pointed out. One compound, 2-nitro-(5-nitro) -furaldehyde semicarbazone, was unique in its mode of bacteriostatic action. Activity was shown in the lag phase of growth. The rate of reproduction, once initiated, was unaffected by the compound. Both conc. and medium affect the activity. The possible contribution of structure to this mode of action is discussed.