[An evaluation of the allergizing properties of merthiolate as a component of adsorbed DTP vaccine]

The study of the allergenic properties of thimerosal contained in adsorbed DPT vaccine was carried out. Two variants of this vaccine, with and without thimerosal, as well as thimerosal alone (diluted 1:10,000, which corresponds to the content of this preservative in the vaccine), were used in experiments. The phenomenon of anaphylactic shock, passive dermal anaphylaxis and skin tests were used as test-systems. The injection of each of the two variants of the vaccine induced the state of sensitization in guinea pigs. At the same time no differences in the intensity of manifestations of immediate and delayed hypersensitivity induced by preparations with and without thimerosal were registered. The solution of thimerosal alone exhibited no sensitizing properties.