Killed poliovaccine: an evaluation of safety testing

Several important changes in the production process of killed poliovaccine have recently taken place or are taking place concerning cell substrate as well as production techniques. Some of the consequences of these changes for the safety testing of the vaccine will be briefly discussed. Data will be presented to show that tests in tissue culture are more sensitive than those in monkeys for the detection of residual live poliovirus in vaccine. It is concluded that there is no need for an additional test in monkeys when tests in tissue culture are carried out according to W.H.O. requirements.