Chapter 20, Problem 35A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The effect of availability of penicillin during World War II.

Introduction:

Penicillin was first discovered in 1928, which is still the antibiotic most commonly used in the world. It was discovered from a mold which developed on a plate of staphylococcus culture. Penicillin discovery affected the direction of medicine and allowed physicians to treat previously serious and life-threatening diseases such as bacterial endocarditis, pneumococcal pneumonia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Explanation of Solution

In the first half of the 20th century, penicillin did make a difference. In the United States in 1942 the first patient sought positive treatment for streptococcal septicemia. Penicillin helped to minimize the number of deaths and mutilations of soldiers during World War II. According to reports, in the first five months of 1943 there were only 400 million units of penicillins available.

Conclusion

Penicillin helped reduce the number of deaths and amputations of troops during World War II.