Some effects of chloramphenicol in the gut

Abstract

A method for the estimation of chloramphenicol in faeces and bile is described. It has been shown that the bile contains high concentrations of the antibiotic, but the faeces small amounts. It is considered that the faecal concentration is dependent on the biliary supply.The action of chloramphenicol on the gut flora is described and the dominance of yeasts on complete suppression of the conforms is reported, drawing attention to the possibility of intestinal moniliasis following unrestricted use of the antibiotic.An explanation of ‘relapses’ in the chloramphenicol treatment of typhoid fever is given, and the possible effect of chloramphenicol on immunity response is discussed.