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Wide variation in effectiveness of laboratory disinfectants against bacteriophages

D E Halfhide1, B W Gannon, C M Hayes

  • 1Aerobiology Unit, DFAS, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, UK.

Letters in Applied Microbiology
|January 6, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Virkon effectively inactivated all tested bacteriophages (phages), unlike ethanol and sodium hypochlorite. This study highlights disinfectant variability for phage inactivation, recommending Virkon for broad-spectrum phage control.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Disinfection Science

Background:

  • Bacteriophages (phages) are crucial in laboratory settings.
  • Published data on phage inactivation by disinfectants is inconsistent.
  • Effective phage disinfection is essential for laboratory safety and experimental integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine an effective disinfectant for bacteriophage inactivation in a laboratory setting.
  • To address the conflicting conclusions in existing phage inactivation literature.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated three common laboratory disinfectants: Virkon (1%), ethanol (75%), and sodium hypochlorite (2500 ppm available chlorine).
  • Tested against six phage strains: three Myoviridae and three Siphoviridae.
  • Assessed the inactivation efficacy of each disinfectant against the tested phages.

Main Results:

  • Virkon (1%) demonstrated rapid and complete inactivation of all six phage strains.
  • Ethanol (75%) was effective against Myoviridae but showed limited efficacy against Siphoviridae.
  • Sodium hypochlorite (2500 ppm) was the least effective disinfectant against the tested phages.

Conclusions:

  • Disinfectant effectiveness against bacteriophages varies significantly.
  • Virkon is the most suitable broad-spectrum disinfectant for phage inactivation when validation studies are not feasible.
  • Sodium hypochlorite is not recommended for phage inactivation without prior efficacy assessment due to observed resilience.

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