This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Marples, R. R. Articles by Williamson, P. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Marples, R. R. Articles by Williamson, P. Agricola Articles by Marples, R. R. Articles by Williamson, P.

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1969 August; 18(2): 228-234
Copyright © 1969 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effects of Systemic Demethylchlortetracycline on Human Cutaneous Microflora

^a Department of Dermotology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

ABSTRACT

The aerobic flora of the axilla and forehead of 20 normal human subjects was studied through a 3-week course of 600 mg of demethylchlortetracycline daily and a 3-week follow-up. In general in the axilla, an initial fall in bacterial density was followed by recovery in numbers due to the proliferation of resistant coagulase-negative cocci and diminution of the lipophilic diphtheroid group of bacteria within 1 week of treatment. During the remainder of the treatment period, the flora was essentially stable in both density and composition. In the follow-up phase, the initial flora was slowly re-established but resistant cocci persisted for more than 3 weeks. On the forehead the fall in density was slower and recovery during treatment was incomplete. Resistant coagulase-negative cocci became dominant and persisted through the follow-up phase. In two individuals, temporary colonization of the axilla by Staphylococcus aureus was seen.

¹ Present address: Rollins-Purle, Inc., Lansdowne, Pa. 19050.