Abstract
The influence of compounds containing active chlorine on B. tuberculosis (strain H-37 obtained through the courtesy of Dr. S. A. Petroff) suspended in tap water has been determined by guinea pig inoculation. This investigation comprises 3 phases: first, a determination of compounds containing active chlorine germicidal to B. tuberculosis; secondly, the effective concentration of such compounds; and thirdly, the time of exposure required for compounds containing active chlorine in effective concentration to kill B. tuberculosis.
The compounds containing active chlorine were tested in amounts ranging from 10 to 100 parts per million, generally at increments of 10 parts per million. The time of exposure usually ranged from 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes.
The most practical disinfectant in low concentration appears to be chlorine gas in water in a concentration of 30 to 50 parts per million when applied for 5 minutes. Within the limits of investigation, the results are applicable to disinfection of eating and drinking utensils in restaurants, soda fountains, drinking places, etc., where contamination with B. tuberculosis is encountered.
Before reaching a final conclusion it will be necessary to investigate the influence compounds containing active chlorine in B. tuberculosis present in colloidal suspensions as well as in tap water.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.