[Clinical laboratory basis for using kanamycin sulfate for treating meningococcal meningitis]

Satisfactory penetration of lincomycin sulfate through the hematoencephalic barrier was shown in experimental meningococcic meningitis of rabbits and in treatment of patients with meningococcic meningitis. Constant high levels of the antibiotic in the cerebrospinal fluid, meninx vasculosa, penetration into the brain tissues may be achieved after intramuscular injection of the drug in a dose of 500 mg every 8 hours. The study showed therapeutic efficacy of kanamycin in the treatment of the patients with meningococcic meningitis. It may be recommended for the clinical use as a reserve antibiotic. As an independent etiotropic agent kanamycin may be used in sensitivity to benzylpenicillin or its inefficiency in treatment of the meningococcic infection. Kanamycin may be used in combination with benzylpenicillin in severe forms of meningitis, meningoencephalitis or purulent meningitis of an unknown etiology.