The in vitro efficacy of reuterin on the culture and bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

1. The in vitro effects of a new antibiotic, reuterin, were determined for culture and bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. It inhibited growth of the culture forms and motility, viability and DNA and protein syntheses of culture and bloodstream forms. 2. Reuterin administered with inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase (hydroxyurea and deoxyadenosine) was synergistic only for growth of the culture form of the parasite. 3. Reuterin was trypanocidal at lower doses than DFMO, Mel B, and Suramin and was antagonistic when used with these drugs.