Prontosil resulted from research, directed by German chemist and pathologist
Gerhard Domagk, on the antibacterial action of
azo dyes. A red
azo dye of low toxicity, Prontosil was shown by Domagk to prevent mortality in mice infected with
Streptococcus bacteria. The dye was also effective in controlling
Staphylococcus infections in rabbits. Within a relatively short period, it was demonstrated that Prontosil was effective not only in combating experimental infections in animals but also against streptococcal diseases in humans, including
meningitis and puerperal sepsis. Later it was found that Prontosil is disrupted in the tissues to form
para-aminobenzenesulfonamide (sulfanilamide).
Prontosil has been replaced in clinical use by newer
sulfonamide drugs, including sulfanilamide, sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxazole, and others.
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