Jpn.J.Infect.Dis., 52 (6), 234-237, 1999

To see an article, click this [PDF] link.

Original Article

Stability of Russell's Viper Venom Toxoid (Lyophilized Form) of Storage

Win-Aung*, Khin-Khin-Hlaing¹, Khin-Pa-Pa-Kyaw¹, Mya-Mya-Win¹ and Aye-Kyaw

Diagnostics and Vaccine Research Centre, and ¹Biochemistry Research Division, Department of Medical Research, No. 5, Ziwaka Road, Dagon P.O., Yangon 11191, Myanmar

(Received February 10, 1999. Accepted November 11, 1999)

SUMMARY: A previously developed Russell's viper venom toxoid in Myanmar is in a liquid form that shows reversion in the form of a reduced number of formaldehyde linkages and toxicity during storage at 37℃ and at room temperature. In order to have a safe, potent and stable toxoid, a lyophilized form was prepared in the present study from the liquid toxoid through the use of a freeze dryer. Both the liquid and lyophilized forms were then stored at 4℃ and at room temperature, and in addition to safety and immunogenicity tests, biochemical parameters such as the protein content, the activity of venom enzymes (proteinase, phospholipase A, phosphodiesterase, and arginine esterase), and the released free formalin amounts were assessed at 3-month intervals over a period of 1 year. The results indicate that under both conditions, the lyophilized toxoid shows minimum changes in enzyme activity, a reduced tendency toward formaldehyde linkage, no toxocity, and more immunogenicity in comparison with the respective liquid toxoids. It could therefore by hypothesized that Russell's viper venom toxoid in a lyophilized form is more promising in terms of efficacy and stability for prophylactic use in human immunization than the conventional toxoid in a liquid form.

*Corresponding author: Tel: +95-1-251 508, Fax: +95-1-251 514

Go to JJID Homepage                       Go to JJID 52(6)