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Title: Radiometric macrophage culture assay for rapid evaluation of antileprosy activity of rifampin

Journal Article · · Antimicrob. Agents Chemother.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.24.4.579· OSTI ID:6964429

The antileprosy effect of rifampin was evaluated by a newly developed rapid in vitro assay wherein 31 human-derived strains and 1 armadillo-derived strain of Mycobacterium leprae were maintained for 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, in murine and human macrophages in the presence of (3H)thymidine. Of these strains, 27 showed significant incorporation of the radiolabel in cultures of live bacilli as compared with control cultures of heat-killed bacilli of the same strain. Consistent and significant inhibition of (3H)thymidine uptake was observed in M. leprae resident cultures with 3 to 200 ng of rifampin per ml as compared with similar cultures without the drug. In general, an increase in percent inhibition was seen from 3 to 20 ng/ml, with marginal increases at 40, 50, and 100 ng/ml. M. leprae strains appear to be remarkably susceptible to this drug in the in vitro assay.

Research Organization:
All-India Inst. of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
OSTI ID:
6964429
Journal Information:
Antimicrob. Agents Chemother.; (United States), Vol. 24:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English