Comparison of intramuscular and oral ampicillin therapy for shigellosis

Kenneth C. Haltalin, John D. Nelson, Helen T. Kusmiesz, Lula V. Hinton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Twenty-four patients with severe shigellosis were treated with intramuscular ampicillin, 100 mg. per kilogram per day in 4 divided doses for 5 days. They were compared with patients previously treated orally with the same dosage of ampicillin. Clearing of Shigellae from the stools was significantly more rapid with the intramuscular route of administration. Alterations in enteric flora were different in the 2 groups. Patients treated orally were more likely to have the intestinal flora replaced with Candida species in contrast with those treated parenterally who were more apt to have overgrowth with species of Klebsiella-Aerobacter. Though each mode of ampicillin administration is effective in the treatment of shigellosis, the intramuscular route results in a more prompt eradication of Shigellae and is useful in the treatment of patients who are not able to take medication orally.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)617-622
Number of pages6
JournalThe Journal of pediatrics
Volume73
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1968

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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