Evaluation of microbiological purity of some brands of tetracycline sold in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nineteen (19) brands of tetracycline belonging to the five groups of the tetracycline family were analysed for microbiological purity by tests for detection of bacterial contaminants and determination of bacterial and fungal loads. Bacterial and fungal contaminants were isolated and identified by combinations of culture, Gram – staining, microscopy and biochemical tests. Twelve (12) samples (63.16%) were found to be microbiologically pure, while the remaining seven (7) were each contaminated with at least one type of microorganism. The results are discussed in relation to limits and specifications recommended by the British Pharmacopoeia and the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Keywords: Microbiological purity, tetracycline, contaminants, bacterial load, fungal load, microbiological limits