Mass Prophylaxis of Epidemic Streptococcal Infections with Benzathine Penicillin G

Abstract

STUDIES on the prophylaxis of epidemic streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever with penicillin have been carried out in the Navy each winter since 1951.1 , 2 Mass prophylaxis with 250,000 units of penicillin G given twice daily by mouth for a minimum period of ten days has been demonstrated to terminate an epidemic abruptly and to effect a major reduction in the carrier rate for strains of Group A streptococci responsible for the epidemic. This ten-day program, which may prove adequate for prolonged if not complete suppression of an outbreak of streptococcal infections in populations of relatively stable composition, has been inadequate . . .