[Additive effect of an immunomodulator on the therapeutic effect of antibiotics]

The effect of an immunomodulator, the Immunoferon (IF), on the course of experimental infections with Staphylococcus aureus and on cellular immune reactions (foot pad swelling test) was examined. The substance is a glycophosphopeptide adsorbed on sulfurized calcium phosphate. The IF improves clearly the therapeutic effect of penicillin, but has no significant effect when given alone. The substance neutralizes the negative effect of hydrocortisone on the therapeutic effectivity of penicillin. The cellular immune reaction is reduced by very small doses of IF, but is enhanced progressively by higher doses. The effect of hydrocortisone is abolished in this respect.