RESUMO
The stability of pertussis component (glutaraldehyde or heat inactivated pertussis vaccine) of the adsorbed diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine preserved in thiomersal or benzethonium chloride was studied at 4-8 degrees C and 35 degrees C for 30 days. The potency of pertussis component of adsorbed DPT vaccine preserved with benzethonium chloride was lower than that preserved with thiomersal. After the initial loss of potency of pertussis component in the benzethonium chloride during blending, the stability of potency of pertussis component at 4-8 degrees C and 35 degrees C for 30 days was similar for vaccines preserved with either benzethonium chloride or thiomersal. The stability of both types of pertussis components inactivated with glutaraldehyde or heat was also similar at both the temperatures for 30 days.