Studies on the using of 2-Phenoxyethanol as an alternative to Thiomersal as a preservative in Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine

Abstract

The control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in animals was considered to be important to effectively contain the disease in endemic areas, so that vaccination of animals is effective in limiting the spread of the disease. The progress in FMD vaccine production directed primarily towards the safety of the vaccine, purity of the antigen and selection of proper additives as adjuvants and preservatives.Thimerosal (Merthiolate) has been used as a preservative since 1930. Nevertheless, Thiomersal itself proved to be very toxic because it containsmercury. Hence, the current article discussed the cause and the prevention measures of the pyrogen-free colored sediment that might appear in the vaccine formula. Where the etiology might appear in the biological product was approached and solved. Besides, 2-phenoxyethanol was examined as an alternative preservative in FMD vaccine. The results of the examined samples (virus, vaccine, and milk), using the later preservative, showed no formation of sediment and no changes in colors. In addition, 2-phenoxyethanol had no cytotoxic effect on BHK. It showed safety and efficacy as substitution preservative.