The first use of penicillin in the United States

Ann Intern Med. 2008 Jul 15;149(2):135-6. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-149-2-200807150-00009.

Abstract

The first use of penicillin in the United States occurred in 1942 and saved a moribund patient who had beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis. Some of the circumstances involved in obtaining and using the drug are described.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Penicillins / history*
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Sepsis / drug therapy
  • Sepsis / history
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / history
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillins