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Quantitative microbiological assay of thiomersal using agar diffusion from paper discs
Acta Pathologica Et Microbiologica Scandinavica. Section B, Microbiology
|October 1, 1979
Summary
A reliable microbiological assay quantifies thiomersal in biological products. This agar diffusion method offers a low-cost, effective way to ensure antimicrobial activity in vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Thiomersal is a mercury-containing organosulfur compound.
- Accurate quantification of thiomersal is crucial for biological product safety and efficacy.
- Existing methods may have limitations in cost or direct measurement of antimicrobial activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a quantitative assay for thiomersal determination.
- To assess the suitability of a microbiological method for routine use.
- To highlight the benefits of the developed assay for quality control.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative microbiological assay was developed.
- Agar diffusion from filter paper discs was employed for thiomersal quantification.
- The method was evaluated for its performance in determining antimicrobial activity.
Main Results:
- The described assay provides a quantitative measure of thiomersal.
- The agar diffusion method demonstrated reliability for assessing antimicrobial activity.
- The assay is suitable for routine use in production control.
Conclusions:
- A validated microbiological assay for thiomersal determination is presented.
- The method is cost-effective and reliable for quality control of biological products.
- This assay is effectively used in the routine production control of vaccines.
