Effect of Organic and Inorganic Acids on Poliovirus at 50°C ∗

Abstract

Summary

Type 1 attenuated poliovirus (LSc) was stabilized at 50°C at pH 4.0 to 5.0 in acetic, oxalic and lactic acids. The type 1 virulent strain (Mahoney) was inactivated to a greater degree in all concentrations of these acids at 50°C than in distilled water. Citric, tartaric, benzoic and salicylic acids at pH 4.0 stabilized the attenuated strain to a high degree but the virulent strain only slightly. Inorganic acids (HCl, HNO₃, H₃PO₄ and H₂SO₄) stabilized the attenuated strain from pH 3.0 to 5.5, but had no effect on the virulent strain. Thus another in vitro character, the acid marker, is available for distinguishing between attenuated and virulent polioviruses.