Alpha-Aminobenzyl Penicillin—New Broad Spectrum Antibiotic

Abstract

A new derivative of penicillin, alphaaminobenzyl penicillin, was found to have in vitro activity against both gramnegative and gram-positive bacteria, thus broadening its antimicrobial spectrum beyond that of any previous penicillin compound. The drug was given both orally and intramuscularly and was essentially nontoxic. In a group of 47 infants and children with specific gastroenteritis who received the drug, the results were good in<i>Shigella</i>dysentery and pathogenic<i>Escherichia coli</i>enteritis. In<i>Salmonella</i>enteritis the results, albeit less predictably good, were regarded as comparable to those obtained with the present agents of choice.