FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ACTIVITY OF TAUROLIDINE AGAINST SPORES OF BACILLUS-SUBTILIS (NCTC-10073)

The cidal activities of aqueous taurolidine (2.0% w/v containing 5.0% wlv polyvinylpyrrolidone as a solubilising agent) and alcoholic taurol idine (2.0% w/v dissolved in Isopropyl alcohol 50% v/v) against spores of Bacillus subtilis NCTC 10073 were evaluated at 20 degrees C, 37 de grees C, 45 degrees C and 55 degrees C. Increased temperature increase d both the rate and extent of sporicidal activity of both solutions. T otal spore kill was not observed in either solution type over the rang e of temperatures and contact times examined. There were no observed d ifferences between the sporicidal activities of aqueous and alcoholic taurolidine solutions at all temperatures examined. Ultrasonic energy (50 Hz operating frequency in a 150 W ultrasonic bath in conjunction w ith increasing temperature allowed to rise naturally from ambient temp erature to 41 degrees C over 4 h) enhanced the sporicidal activities o f both solution types. However, the difference in activity between the two solution types was not significant. Compared to normal spores, al teration of spore coat layers (hydrogen-form spores) did not alter spo re susceptibility to aqueous taurolidine at elevated temperatures of 3 7 degrees C and 55 degrees C.