Long-standing case of widespread tuberculosis and acute colon bacillus infection treated by streptomycin

Abstract

This is a report of a prompt response of a blood stream and genitourinary infection by colon bacilli in a man with widespread tuberculosis of long standing, which was arrested during the exhibition of streptomycin and eight months thereafter, during which restoration to working efficiency, some gain in weight and improved health were attained. Had it been possible to obtain the drug in necessary amount when needed, it is conceivable that more definite results might have followed. After the lapse of eight months, the patient received one million units of streptomycin base daily for four days and subsequently, only 250,000 units daily for twelve days more (seven million units in sixteen days) and a specimen of 100 cc. of urine, centrifuged for one hour, failed to reveal tubercle bacilli after prolonged search. The drug was then stopped by mutual agreement because of the patient's anorexia, malaise and depression, associated with a lower blood pressure than he had ever had prior to this second period of streptomycin administration.