Effect of Streptococcal Preparation, OK-432, on Experimental Infection due to Mycobacterium lepraemurium in Mice of C3H/Jms Strain

Streptococcal preparation, OK-432, was examined for its therapeutic effect on experimental infection due to Mycobacterium lepraemurium (Mlm) in mice, When C3H/Jms mice (Mlm-sensitive strain) were infected with 10^8 Mlm to the left hind footpad, weekly injections of OK-432 via the peritoneal route (0.1 mg dry weight per injection), it considerably enhanced elimination of organisms from the infection site during the first 6 weeks, and thereafter suppressed the growth of organisms during 6 to 23 weeks after infection. In contrast, weekly injections of OK-432 to the infection site (left hind footpad) resulted in the enhanced growth of Mlm in the infection site, indicating that multiple injections of OK-432 to the infection site might generate suppressor cells and/or antagonizing factors against the host defense mechanisms to Mlm.