Potentiated trimethoprim for the therapy of calf scours

Authors: Slaughter RE
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 20, Issue 11, pp 221-223, Nov 1972
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Disease/defect, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Trimethoprim became generally available 3 years ago, following its original discovery as a unique antibacterial agent for combating diseases of both man and animals (Hitchines and Bushby, 1961; Pugsley et al 1969; McGuinness, 1969; McCaig, 1970; Barnett and Bushby, 1970; Rehm and White, 1970; Craig 1972). Discovered as a result of a planned programme of research, trimethoprim is a synthetic substance that inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase necessary for the essential synthesis by bacteria of folinates and potentiates sulphonamides, which block an earlier stage in the same synthetic pathway (Hitchines, 1969). Commercial therapeutic preparations always contain both trimethoprim and a sulphonamide, making use of this synergistic antibacterial effect. At the same time, there is evidence that by breaking this essential synthetic chain in two places the chance of the emergence of mutant bacteria resistant to either drug is diminished (Bushby, 1969). The combination is suitable for the treatment of a wide range of infections in humans, notably in the therapy of chronic bronchitis (Hughes, 1969), urinary tract infection (Gruneberg and Kolbe, 1969) as well as being an effective drug in the treatment of acute brucellosis (Lal et al 1970). In veterinary medicine a large number of bacterial infections of different species have been treated successfully, including those of horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, cats, dogs, birds and fish…

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