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The double stranded polynucleotide, poly A:U, when administered intraperitoneally at the same time as intravenous infection with Brucella abortus, suppressed the growth of that organism in the spleen and liver of mice. Single stranded poly A or poly U were not effective. On the other hand both the single and double stranded forms enhanced the growth of Br. abortus in broth culture. Poly A: U did not enhance the blood clearance of intravenously administered Br. abortus. Indeed its suppressive effect was not apparent until 2 days after administration. When mice given Br. abortus and poly A:U were given a second infection 2 days later, with either Br. abortus or Listeria monocytogenes, the second infection was exacerbated, indicating a biphasic effect of poly A: U and antigen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]