The Mode of Action of Nitrofurazone on Bacteria

Abstract

<p>Studies are described which show that activated nitrofurazone is able to cause damage to covalently closed circular DNA in minicells from Escherichia coli strain x 1256. These results are discussed in terms of the nature of the damage and of the repair of this damage in minicells.</p> <p>Studies on the effect of nitrofurazone on macromolecules in Escherichia coli B/r have shown that the activated nitrofurazone inhibits the synthesis of RNA and ribosomes and causes damage to the function of ribosomes. Studies have also shown that the activated nitrofurazone inhibits aerobic and anaerobic metabolism and lowers the ATP levels in bacteria. The mechanism by which these effects are produced are discussed.</p>