Colistin Sulphate in the Treatment of Specific Bacterial Intestinal Infections

Abstract

An attempt has been made to evaluate colistin sulphate in the treatment of specific intestinal infections. Ninety three patients were treated with the antibiotic comprising 48 cases of specific E. coli infection and 45 cases of Shigella. Eradication of the infecting organism was achieved in these two groups in 39 (81.25%) and 33 (73.3%).

No problems were associated with administration of colistin and toxic effects were not seen.

Considering the fact that six negative daily dismissal swabs were taken as criterion of cure, the results obtained compare very favourably with other antibiotics. The necessity of the treatment of E. coli gastro-enteritis is discussed and the good results obtained with colistin would suggest it to be an appropriate choice of antibiotic. The findings in all groups would suggest that colistin is a very useful antibiotic in the treatment of specific intestinal infections.

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