[Immunotropic activity of antimicrobial agents used in tuberculosis]

Mice with experimental tuberculosis were given isoniazid, rifampicin, erythromycin, cefotaxime, ofloxacin. Erythromycin, cefotaxime and ofloxacin enhanced macrophage activity if their course did not exceed 2-4 weeks. Isoniazid and rifampicin for a short time inhibited macrophage activity then stimulated it. These findings led the authors to the conclusion that erythromycin, cefotaxime and ofloxacin must be used only in short courses.