Terramycin hydrochloride in the treatment of Salmonella choleraesuis bacteremia

Three cases of S. choleraesuis bacteremia have been presented. They were treated with terramycin, a new antibiotic. Encouraging results were obtained in all cases. The average duration of toxicity and temperature (above 37.2°C. rectally) was approximately five days after administration of the antibiotic. Blood cultures became negative within 48 hours in two cases. In the other case blood culture on the fifth day of treatment was positive but four subsequent daily cultures were negative. No untoward reactions were observed. The drug was readily accepted when administered orally. Though appraisal of the therapeutic effect of terramycin is difficult because of the variability of duration of the untreated disease, it would appear that terramycin may be superior to the sulfonamides and to the other currently available antibiotics in the treatment of S. choleraesuis septicemia in children.