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The influence of vitamin C on Wassermann fastness in syphilis

  • Published:
The American Journal of Digestive Diseases

Conclusion

  1. 1.

    Vitamin C apparently enhances the spirocheticidal effect of bismuth and the trypanosomicidal effect of antimony.

  2. 2.

    Wassermann fastness is related not only to the mechanism of inhibitors, but also to the chemotherapeutic index of the bismuth preparation employed. With all other factors equal, the addition of the use of Bismuth Cevitamate was able to change the Wassermann fast positive to Wassermann negative in seven Wassermann fast cases out of the series of ten luetics.

  3. 3.

    Vitamin C and glutathione influence the capacity for spirochaetes and trypanosomes to take up Arsenic, Antimony, Bismuth and Gold.

  4. 4.

    Vimtain C acts both as a detoxifyer of Antimony, Arsenic and Bismuth in the reduced state, but can enhance the spirochetal and trypanosomal action of these metals during the process of oxidation.

  5. 5.

    Bismuth Cevitamate may be considered an important addition to the therapy of Wassermann fast lues.

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    Simon L. Ruskin

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Ruskin, S.L. The influence of vitamin C on Wassermann fastness in syphilis. Jour. D. D. 10, 170–174 (1943). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03002292

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