Streptomycin in the Treatment of Leptospira Carriers. Experiments with Hamsters and Dogs. *

Abstract

Conclusions

The data here presented prove that chronic renal infections with leptospira in hamsters and dogs may be successfully cured with streptomycin. Although penicillin, as well as streptomycin, effectively influences the leptospiremia in experimental infections in guinea pigs, mice and hamsters, only streptomycin is capable of destroying the organisms found in the convoluted tubules.

Canine leptospirosis is usually treated after the parasite has already disappeared from the blood. Obviously, penicillin is of little value. Streptomycin in oil and wax in a daily dose of 40 mg per kilo given intramuscularly should be used in the treatment of acute and chronic canine leptospirosis. In fact, this antibiotic may be employed in the prevention of this destructive disease in dogs. It is recommended that the urine of all dogs intended for breeding be examined for leptospira, and when infection is found, the dogs should be treated for 3 to 5 days with streptomycin a few days before the act of breeding.