Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
about four hundred of these compounds being synthesized and studied for their
anti-infectious potential [12].
The first of the 5-nitrofurans to be introduced into therapy was
nitrofurazone (5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone), used for topical
treatment of infected wounds in the last years of World War II [14].
Nitrofurantoin was the first nitrofuran used in the treatment of infections of the
urinary tract in human medicine. For decades it was the most successful, and is
still available in the market today. Nitrofurazone has also been used in Human
Medicine in topical applications as the adjuvant therapy of 2ND and 3RD
degree burns, preventing infection of skin grafts [14]. Orally administered
furazolidone has also been used in humans, for cases of enteritis, and the
respective action is comparable to tetracycline for the control of diarrhea in
cholera patients. Most recently, the number of nitrofuran derivatives
synthesized went far beyond 3500, about half of which had been tested for
therapy. From these, only a few have played a major role in the dressing of the
therapeutic and prophylactic veterinary medicine. Among these, furazolidone,
furaltadone, nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoin and nifursol should be highlighted
[12].
In fact, nitrofurans were widely used in veterinary medicine (as they still
are in Human Medicine) due to their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
characteristics, which include:
Broad-spectrum, including Gram positive and Gram negative
bacteria, protozoa and certain pathogenic fungi;
Very limited resistance development by microorganisms;
Effective activity against pathogens resistant to sulfonamides and
antibiotics;
Stability and efficiency in the presence of fluids, in general, and
body fluids, in particular;
Absence of evidence about its potential side and toxic effects;
Wide availability and low production cost.
This large group of therapeutic compounds became an arsenal of medical
significance, particularly in situations of microbial resistant strains. They
represented the drugs of choice in prophylactic and curative treatment of
colibacillosis, salmonellosis and the coccidiosis [12].
Over many years, the therapeutic value and the negligible side effects of
nitrofurans constitute key factors for a good health condition in populations,
livestock, and also in food production from animal origin worldwide.
