The antimicrobial activity of non-antibiotics. Report from a congress on the antimicrobial effect of drugs other than antibiotics on bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other organisms.

In May 1990 the 1st International Conference on Antimicrobial Activity of Non-Antibiotics was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. More than 200 scientists were drawn from 34 countries and from all five continents. Papers were presented dealing with the antimicrobial activity of different synthetic and natural compounds, and interactions between antibiotics and non-antibiotics. The conference pointed to the unusual properties of non-antibiotic drugs. These effects might create unexpected therapeutic possibilities and lead to new basic insights.