Abstract
Using the corticosteroid-antibiotic-primed rat model for P. carinii pneumonitis (PCP) we previously demonstrated the efficacy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) for treatment of this infection (SPR-1974). Subsequent studies in humans (SPR-1975) showed excellent correlation with the animal model. Recently, it has become apparent that patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) uniquely experience a remarkably high rate of adverse reactions to TMP/SMZ. Since PCP is a major life-threatening infection with AIDS, alternative drugs are needed. We have undertaken studies to develop new agents for the treatment of PCP. The experimental design is based on the premise that dexamethasone-tetracycline administration for 6 weeks or longer will almost invariably provoke PCP in the rat. Drugs administered during the period of immunosuppression can be tested for efficacy in comparison to untreated controls. In a series of experiments we have tested 10 drugs in this manner. The results are as follows (no. animals with PCP/no. tested): allopurinol 10/10, diloxanide furoate 10/10, nifurtimox 10/10, ketoconazole 10/10, difluoromethylornithine 10/10, melarsoprol 10/10, suramin 10/10, primaquine-chloroquine 10/10, gentian violet 8/10 and diaminodiphenylsulfone 0/10. Controls (total) = 48/50. We conclude that the dapsone administered orally in the dose of 25.0 mg/kg daily is effective in murine PCP.
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Hughes, W., Smith, B. DIAMINODIPHENYLSULFONE (DAPSONE): A NEW DRUG FOR PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONITIS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 277 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01106
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01106