POLIOCIDAL ACTIVITY OF SOME COMMON ANTISEPTICS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LOCALIZED PARALYSIS

[摘要] Evidence herein presented that poliomyelitis virus may, in rare instances, be introduced into the body by penetrating local trauma (tonsillectomy, injections) emphasizes the importance not only of proper sterilization of instruments, needles and syringes but also of preparing the surface to be traumatized with an antiseptic capable of quickly destroying poliomyelitis virus, preferably within half a minute.Of the local antiseptics tested, mild (2%) tincture of iodine was found to be highly effective; tincture of merthiolate moderately so; tincture of metaphen and 2% hexachlorophene only slightly effective; and ethyl alcohol (70%) and tincture of zephiran, ineffective, all within the stated time limit. The mild tincture of iodine is therefore recommended for routine use.Antiseptic should also be applied to the stopper of the vial before withdrawing material for injection.While the preventive prophylactic value of local antisepsis against poliomyelitis is undoubtedly limited, its routine use is clearly indicated and might prevent some occurrences of localized paralysis.

[学科分类] 儿科学