Effects of l-(2-nitro-l-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol and 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-l-ethanol against anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and protozoa.

1-(2-Nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol (RO 7-0582) and 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-1-ethanol (Metronidazole), substances known to be potent trichomonacides, were shown to inhibit obligate anaerobic bacteria in vitro but were essentially without effect at the doses tested against bacteria capable of growing aerobically. A similar effect was noted in vivo in that both substances exhibited good chemotherapeutic activity against infections produced by three species of anaerobic protozoa but were essentially inactive at the doses tested against three species of aerobic protozoa.