BENZATHINE PENICILLIN G IN THE PREVENTION OF STREPTOCOCCIC INFECTIONS

Abstract

The effectiveness of benzathine penicillin G in preventing streptococcic pharyngitis was determined during an epidemic of this disease among military personnel at an air force base. A single intramuscular injection was given to each of 741 men, representing about 10 % of the exposed population. Three dosage levels were tried, and all were equally effective in eliminating group A streptococci from the throat in carriers, while men who had received a placebo injection continued to harbor the organisms. The duration of protection, however, varied with the dosage. The first streptococcic infections began to occur as early as the 8th day after injection in 240 men who had received 300,-000 units, while in 246 men who had received 1,200,000 units the first illnesses were observed on the 44th day. It appeared that 1,200,000 units of benzathine penicillin G protected the individual for approximately six weeks.