Antibacterial activity of some alpha-substituted 2-methyl-5-nitrofurans.

The minimum inhibitory concentration values against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were determined and compared for a selected group of synthesized alpha-substituted 2-methyl-5-nitrofuran derivatives. In vitro oxidation of thiols to disulfides by 2-(iodomethyl)-5-nitrofuran indicated that oxidation of enzyme-thiol groups to disulfide bonds was a possible mode of action; but was discounted by noninhibition of thiol enzymes by these compounds. Electron-microscopic studies of the morphology of bacteria after treatment with these derivatives showed the formation of unusual elongation, branching and atypical rod shapes in E. coli, while S. aureus manifested multibud formation with some cytoplasmic protrusions. The possible mode of action of these compounds is discussed.