ALTEX :: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

1994, Supplement

Investigations of the Endotoxin Content of Veterinary Vaccines

Dietrich Schimmel

Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Abteilung Veterinärmedizin, D-Langen

SUMMARY

Vaccines composed of gram-negative bacteria contain endotoxin in considerable amounts. This may result in adverse effects after vaccination of sensitive animals. For reasons of safety and animal welfare the endotoxin level of veterinary vaccines should be limited. The limulus amebocyte lysate test is suitable to check the endotoxin content in most vaccines. Safety tests in animals should only be performed if the results of the limulus test are satisfactory.

Keywords: endotoxin, safety tests, veterinary vaccines