title: Antimicrobial activity of seven metallic compounds against penicillinase producing and non-penicillinase producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
abstract: The in vitro activity of seven metallic compounds was tested against penicillinase (beta lactamase) producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and non-PPNG strains. On a weight basis, the mercurials showed the greatest in vitro activity. Phenylmercuric borate, thiomersal, and mercuric chloride inhibited 90% of all strains at concentrations of 5 mg/l, 5 mg/l, and 20 mg/l respectively. Silver nitrate inhibited 90% of the strains at 80 mg/l and the MIC90 for mild silver protein was 200 mg/l. Copper and selenium salts had lower in vitro activities, inhibiting 90% of all the strains at 320 mg/l and 640 mg/l respectively. Silver nitrate and the six other compounds tested showed equal activities against PPNG and non-PPNG strains. This finding supports the recommendation for prophylaxis of gonococcal conjunctivitis of the newborn with 1% silver nitrate eye drops.
mesh_terms: D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology; D019327:Copper Sulfate; D008627:Mercuric Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D008670:Metals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000187:drug effects*; D010663:Phenylmercury Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D011506:Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D020887:Selenious Acid; D012643:Selenium / Q000494:pharmacology; D012834:Silver / Q000494:pharmacology; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000494:pharmacology; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D010663:Phenylmercury Compounds; D011506:Proteins; D013849:Thimerosal; D012834:Silver; D008627:Mercuric Chloride; D003300:Copper; D012835:Silver Nitrate; D020887:Selenious Acid; D012643:Selenium; D019327:Copper Sulfate; C008371:phenylmercury borate