Abstract
AXOLOTLS were hatched from eggs in the laboratory and kept in an open tank. Progress was satisfactory until they were about 1 in. long (8 weeks), when considerable numbers died suddenly, suggesting an epidemic infection. Two days previously there had been an unusual number of people present in the room. As many pathogenic agents are susceptible to penicillin, we added 10 units/ml. to the water of the aquarium, which was then not changed for 24 hr. After this, there were no more deaths. Shortly afterwards we had similar losses among our edible frogs, kept in a shallow tank. Penicillin was added to the water, a higher concentration—20 units/ml.—being used to allow for the slower entry into the larger animals. There was an immediate and striking reduction in the mortality-rate to a figure no greater than normally experienced with these animals at that season.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
KING, H. Penicillin in the Aquarium. Nature 166, 1036 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/1661036b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1661036b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.