Evaluation of the Paper Quality of Antibacterial Discs Commercially Available in Nigeria

Aim: A wide range of antibacterial discs are commercially available in Nigeria that are either manufactured locally or imported. The quality of papers used in the manufacture of these discs can play a considerable role in their performance during antibiotic susceptibility testing, as there may be variations in the quality and characteristics of papers used by different manufacturers. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the quality of papers used in the manufacture of six brands of commercially available antibiotic discs in Nigeria.
Methodology: In the evaluation of the disc-paper qualities of the brands under study, parameters like paper thickness, weight, diameter, and water absorbability were used in comparing the various brands.
Results: Variations were observed in the thicknesses, weights, water absorbabilities and diameters of the disc-papers of all the brands of antibiotic discs under study. These variations will grossly affect the results of antibiotic susceptibility tests when different brands of antibiotic discs with different paper qualities are used.
Conclusion: It is imperative that the use of a specified disc paper is necessary for standardizing the performances of the products of various manufacturers and also, regulatory agencies should establish specifications for which manufacturers must comply as to the nature and quality of papers used in the manufacture of antibiotic discs.