Studies in the Home Treatment of Streptococcal Disease

Patients with streptococcal pharyngitis were formerly treated by the Home Medical Service of the Massachusetts Memorial Hospitals with a seven-day course of penicillin by mouth, but when it became apparent that more than a third of these patients were failing to take the full prescribed course, it was decided to change to intramuscular injections of benzathinePenicillin G.

Abstract

ORAL administration of penicillin has been shown by many investigators to be an effective form of treatment of appropriate bacterial infections.1 2 3 4 5 However, it has been remarked that one of the disadvantages of the oral route is that a large share of the responsibility for carrying out the prescribed therapy rests with the patient.6 7 8 This may lead to a failure to complete the full course of treatment and may thereby significantly influence effective control and prevention of disease. It appears from the studies done by the Streptococcal Disease Laboratory in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and from other investigations that rheumatic fever can be . . .