A/JAX inbred mice in chemotherapeutic investigations of experimental Chagas' disease.

A quick, simple and relatively inexpensive primary screen to test compounds for activity in experimental Chagas' disease is described. It involves administration of drug once only at the maximum tolerated dose five minutes after infection to a group of five A/JAX inbred mice and the determination of the time to death. The validity of the method was established by the use of standard drugs. High levels of activity were detected with bisquinaldines, arsenobenzenes, 5-nitrofurans and 2-nitroimidazoles.