Effect of Sulfanilamide Injected Subcutaneously into Rabbits upon Hemolytic Streptococci Contained in Collodion Sacs Implanted Intraperitoneally

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Abstract
Large numbers of Group A hemolytic streptococci, several million per ml., contained in collodion sacs in the peritoneal cavities of rabbits, were killed under the influence of sulfanilamide injd. subcut., 400 mg. every 4 hrs. for from 48 to 72 hrs. The bactericidal effect occurred in the absence of phagocytes and frequently in the absence of precipitable protein. Chemotherapy was equally effective even when treatment was delayed from 4 to 8 hrs. after implantation of the sacs containing cultures that were then in a state of rapid proliferation. Comparable expts. in vitro at temps. of from 39[degree] to 40[degree]C (the febrile temp. for the rabbits) with sacs in nutrient broth containing 10 mg. % sulfanilamide showed marked inhibition of growth, but the drug was inactive at 37[degree]C. Sulfanilamide detns. indicated that the drug can be concentrated within the peritoneal cavity of rabbits in amts. equaling 60% or more of the conc. in the blood. The results tend to support the view that temp. is a factor of highest importance in the action of sulfanilamide, but they also indicate that phagocytosis, while in all probability complementary in its effect, is not essential in the mechanism of action of the drug in vivo.