The Bactericidal Action of Low Molecular Weight Compounds on Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Summary: Lower members of the carboxylic fatty acid series, hydroxy acids, alcohols, amides, ureas, urethanes and some other low molecular weight compounds have been tested for bactericidal action on Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 Rv and BCG. The rate of bactericidal action of acetic acid is shown to be dependent on the concentration of undissociated acid. The bactericidal activity of normal fatty acids increases with increase in the length of the carbon chain. A comparison of the times required by equimolar solutions to sterilize a culture shows that maximum activity is reached at undecylic acid (C₁₁). The bactericidal activity of corresponding acids, hydroxy acids and alcohols is compared.