[The antistaphylococcal activity of thionium in in vitro experiments]

The paper deals with the experimental study of antistaphylococcal properties of thionium--a derivative of bis-quarternary ammonium compounds. High bactericide activity of the preparation is revealed as a result; it is preserved under high contents of protein substances in the media. The sensitivity of staphylococcal strains to thionium is not affected by the initial sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics. The preparations interaction with benzylpenicillin and gentamycin has been studied. Synergist effect of sub-bacteriostatic doses of thionium with the mentioned antibiotics has been found. Effect of benzylpenicillin increases 4-32 times, that of gentamycin--64-512 times independent of the primary sensitivity to these antibiotics. The further study of a new antistaphylococcal preparation is advisable.