The inhibitory action of the monoethyl esters of S-n-alkylthiomalic acids and the monoethyl esters of alkane sulphonyl succinic acids on the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

1. A new series of compounds has been found which markedly inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. smegmatis.2. These substances are strongly haemolytic against human red blood cells.3. The effectiveness of the antibacterial and haemolytic actions depends upon the length of the alkyl chain.4. The antibacterial and haemolytic actions are reduced by human serum.