Bactericidal and Fungicidal Action of Organic Mercurials

It has been stated recently (Hunter, 1943) that the ideal antiseptic should possess high germicidal and inhibitory properties over the widest possible range of the commoner pathogenic organisms, a low tissue toxicity, efficiency in the presence of organic matter, power to penetrate, stability, and moderate cost. In this country the commoner pathogenic organisms include a great number of mycotic agents, these latter being especially common in moist, humid regions and during the monsoon period. It is therefore considered that the ideal antiseptic should possess a well-marked fungicidal as well as a bactericidal effect. This report intends to show that certain organic mercurial drugs possess the above-mentioned properties in the highest degree, and it is felt that, in the latest spate of literature concerning modern antiseptics, this remarkable series of compounds has been greatly neglected. Before describing the uses and method of application of the above-mentioned drugs, it would be well to explain the rationale governing the use of antiseptics and bactericidal ̂ substances whose active agent is a phenol radicle or Hg cation.