CHEMOTHERAPY OF AMEBIASIS

Abstract

The growing appreciation of the incidence of amebiasis, the wide variety of chemicals suggested for its relief or cure, and the frequent disappointments of treatment justify a systematic investigation of its chemotherapy. The compounds so far proposed for treatment may be grouped as follows: ( a ) alkaloids, such as those of ipecac or of kurchi; ( b ) organic arsenicals, such as acetarsone (Stovarsol); ( c ) oxyquinoline derivatives, such as chiniofon (Yatren), and ( d ) miscellaneous antiseptics and astringents, such as the alkyl resorcinols and the bismuth compounds. It is surprising that no judicious survey has ever been attempted of the many types of drugs suggested for the treatment of amebiasis. Few of the agents exploited for use in this condition have sufficient experimental background to justify even controlled clinical trial in human beings, 1 let alone widespread and routine use under the pressure of skilful publicity. Quantitative methods for the experimental evaluation of substances