Baktericidna svojstva nekih organskih kiselina u odnosu na mikobakterije

Abstract

Despite current successes in fighting animal tuberculosis, sporadic cases of infection with both the disease’s causative agents and atypical mycobacteria still occur in animals. Since animal mycobacteriosis cannot be treated with medication, priority must be given to their prevention and elimination as non-specific measures, including disinfection. The unique structure of the mycobacteria cell de- termines their high resistance to antimicrobial agents, therefore the constant search for effective disinfectants is an urgent task of veterinary science. This study aimed to determine the bactericidal properties of several inorganic acids against mycobacteria. Experiments were carried out following modern methodological aspects using the atypical mycobacteria M. fortuitum, pathogens of tuberculosis M. bovis and M. avium. Orthophosphoric (phosphoric) acid (H3PO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) were used in the experiments. Using the suspension method, orthophosphoric acid was found to have a bactericidal effect against atypical mycobacteria- ria M. fortuitum and the pathogen of tuberculoussis M. avium when tested at a concentration of 1.5% (24 hours) and 2.0% (1–24 hours), against the causative agent of tuberculosis M. bovis at a concentration of 1.5% (5–24 hours) and 2.0% (1–24 hours). Nitric acid showed a bactericidal effect when tested in solution against mycobacteriaria M. fortuitum and M. avium at a concentration of 2.0% (5–24 hours), and against M. bovis at a concentration of 2.0% after 1 hour exposure. A different level of mycobacterial growth intensity in test tubes was observed after the action of inorganic acids in sub-bactericidal and bacteriostatic concentrations, which was directly dependent on the concentration and exposure of the acid, and on the type of test culture of microorganisms. It has been shown that inorganic acids can disinfect surfaces contaminated with the tuberculosis-causing agent. This refers to various surfaces like wood, tile, fabric, glass, and metal. It has been found that orthophosphoric acid (1.5% for 24 hours) and nitric acid (2.0% for 5 hours) can be used to disinfect in cases of tuberculosis infection. These findings have been confirmed through bioassays on laboratory animals. Future research will focus on discovering and developing new medications with strong bactericidal properties against mycobacteria.