SECTION V.— SULPHATE OF COPPER.
Dr. Bolton has made the following experiments with sulphate of copper, by the method heretofore described — equal parts of disinfecting solution and culture of test organism; two hours' exposure; test in Esmarch's tubes.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DISINFECTANTS.
TABLE NO. XXXI. RECENT CULTURES IN BOUILLON.
Organism. Date. Experiments. Bacillus of typhoid fever . Jan. 25, 1887. 1 200, 1 : 500, 1 : 1,000, Cont. Spirillum of Asiatic cholera Jan. 18. 1 200, 1 : 500, 1 : 1,000, Cont. Jan. 25. 1 200, 1 : 500, 1 : 1,000, Cont. Bacillus of mouse septicaemia. Feb. 2. 1 100, 1 : 200, Cont. Bacillus of Schweine-rothlauf Feb. 26. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. Brieger's bacillus . Feb. 25. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500. 100, Bacillus pyocyanus . Feb. 19. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 100, Friedlander's bacillus . Feb. 11. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. Emmerich's bacillus . Feb. 23. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 100, Bacillus syzyanum . March 23. 1 100, 1 : 200, Cont. 1 : 100, 1 : 200. 100, Bacillus alvei Feb. 19. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500. 100, Wurtzel bacillus . Feb. 12. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500. 100, Staphylococcus pyog. aureus . Feb. 8. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 100, 1 : 200/ 1 : 500. 100, Staphylococcus pyog. citreus . Feb. 8. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500. 100, Staphylococcus pyog. albus . Feb. 15. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500. 100, Streptococcus erysipelatosus . Feb. 15. 1 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 200, 1 : 500. 100,
TABLE NO. XXXII. RECENT CULTURES IN FLESH-PEPTONE-GELATINE, CONTAINING 10 PER CENT. GELATINE.
Organism. Bacillus of typhoid fever . Date. January 8, 1887. January 13. January 19. Experiments. 1 : 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont. 1 : 100, 1 : 200, Cont. 1 : 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 500, Cont.
These results correspond with those previously reported by the writer. Thus in 1881 I found that the virulence of septicemic blood containing M. Pasteur I is destroyed by 1 : 400; and in the report of the Committee on Disinfectants for 1885 I say, — 'I have demonstrated by recent experiments that it destroys micrococci in the proportion of .5 per cent. (= 1 : 200).'
By reference to table No. XXXI it will be seen that there is some evidence of a difference in resisting power in different organisms, but, as remarked in the case of carbolic acid, it is probable that in a more extended series of experiments these differences would be to a great extent neutralized. Thus we find that in the single experiment upon the bacillus of mouse septicaemia 1 : 200 failed, while in that upon the bacillus of schweine-rothlauf 1 : 500 was successful. Yet these bacilli are thought by many bacteriologists to be identical. It may be that growth in the one case was due to the presence of spores, and failure in the other to their absence.
In the report of the Committee on Disinfectants for 1885 this agent is recommended in a solution of 2 to 5 per cent, for the destruction of infectious material 'not containing spores.' The experimental data above given show that this is a very liberal allowance, and that the proportion might be reduced to 1 per cent, and still be within the limits of safety, where the conditions resemble those of our experiments. But in the presence of a considerable amount of albumen, this agent, like mercuric chloride, must be used in a much larger proportion to insure disinfection.
Dr. Bolton has made the following experiments upon spores:
TABLE NO. XXXIV. SULPHATE OF COPPER SPORES.
Organism. Date. Experiments. Anthrax spores March 7. 1 : 50, 1 : 100, 1 : 200, Cont. 1 : 50, 1 : 100, I : 200, Cont. Bacillus alvei spores . March 3. 1 : 50, 1 : 100, 1 : 200, Cont. 1 : 50, 1 : 100, 1 : 200. Wurtzel bacillus spores . March 23. 1 : 50, 1 : 100, 1 : 200, Cont. 1 : 50, 1 : 100, 1 : 200.
I judge that there is some mistake about the experiment of March 7 with anthrax. Probably no spores were present in the culture. In my own experiments with this agent I found that even in the proportion of 20 per cent, it failed to kill the spores of anthrax; and as Dr. Bolton's experiment shows that 2 per cent, did not kill the spores of the Wurtzel bacillus or of bacillus alvei, I cannot believe that anthrax spores were killed by 1 : 200.
<Callout type="warning" title="Potential Mistake">There is a possibility that the experiment with anthrax spores on March 7 may have been misinterpreted. Dr. Bolton's findings suggest that even at higher concentrations, sulfate of copper might not be effective against all types of spores.</Callout>
<Callout type="important" title="Proportion Guidelines">The Committee recommends a solution of 2 to 5 per cent for disinfection where spores are not present. However, in the presence of albumen or other proteins, this concentration may need to be increased significantly.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Sulfate of copper is effective against various bacteria but less so against spores.
- The concentration required for disinfection can vary based on the presence of proteins in the medium.
- Anthrax spores are particularly resistant to sulfate of copper.
Practical Tips
- Use a higher concentration of sulfate of copper when dealing with media containing high levels of albumen or other proteins.
- Always test the effectiveness of your disinfection method on a small scale before applying it widely, especially for critical applications like anthrax spores.
- Understand that different organisms may have varying resistance to the same disinfectant.
Warnings & Risks
- Sulfate of copper is not effective against all types of spores and may require higher concentrations or alternative methods in certain cases.
- Improper use can lead to incomplete disinfection, posing a risk of infection or disease spread.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling sulfate of copper.
Modern Application
While the specific techniques for using sulfate of copper have evolved, the principles of effective disinfection remain relevant. Modern readers should understand that while sulfate of copper can be an effective disinfectant, it is important to use it in conjunction with other methods and to follow safety guidelines. The knowledge of how different organisms respond to various disinfectants can inform modern preparedness strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of bacteria were tested for effectiveness against sulfate of copper?
The chapter details experiments on several types of bacteria, including Bacillus of typhoid fever, Spirillum of Asiatic cholera, and various other bacilli such as those causing mouse septicaemia, Schweine-rothlauf, and others.
Q: How effective is sulfate of copper against anthrax spores?
The experiments suggest that even at a 1:200 concentration, sulfate of copper was not effective in killing anthrax spores. This indicates that anthrax spores are particularly resistant to this disinfectant.
Q: What is the recommended concentration for using sulfate of copper as a disinfectant?
The Committee on Disinfectants recommends a solution of 2 to 5 per cent for the destruction of infectious material not containing spores. However, this concentration may need to be increased significantly in the presence of albumen or other proteins.