Studies on Drug Toxicity in Chicks

NITROFURAZONE (NFZ; 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone) is an agent which has been used for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in chickens. The compound has also been ascribed the properties of growth promotion and bacteriostasis. Dodd and Stillman (1944) discussed Nitrofurazone and related compounds as bacteriostatic agents. These investigators found the 5-nitro group on the furan ring necessary for maximum bacteriostatic effect. Stillman and Scott (1945) considered the chemistry of Nitrofurazone and the pharmacology of the compound was studied by Kranz and Evans (1945). Activity of Nitrofurazone against experimental infections of Streptococci and Trypanosoma equiperdum was reported by Dodd (1946). Peterson and Hymas (1950) tested various levels of Nitrofurazone and other coccidiostats in chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria necatrix. These authors reported that a low level intake of Nitrofurazone resulted in almost complete prevention of coccidiosis. They observed that 0.02% of Nitrofurazone fed continuously in the mash depressed the growth of chicks. . . .