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Reduction of surface contamination and biofilms of Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus using a citrus-based

K Laird1, D Armitage, C Phillips

  • 1De Montfort University, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Science, Leicester, UK. klaird@dmu.ac.uk

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|December 14, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Citrus essential oil vapors effectively reduced hospital-acquired bacteria like MRSA and VRE on stainless steel surfaces. This natural disinfectant also inhibited bacterial biofilm formation and metabolic activity, showing promise for clinical environments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Infectious Disease Control

Background:

  • Hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms like MRSA and VRE are a significant healthcare challenge.
  • Essential oils (EOs) demonstrate potential in reducing environmental bacterial contamination within clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Citri-V™, a vaporized citrus essential oil blend, against Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus on stainless steel.
  • To investigate the impact of Citri-V™ on the formation and metabolic activity of bacterial biofilms.

Main Methods:

  • Microplate assays were employed to assess biofilm formation and metabolic activity.
  • Colorimetric assays and digital microscopy were used to quantify biofilm removal from stainless steel surfaces.

Main Results:

  • Citrus vapor reduced VRE and MRSA on stainless steel by 1.5-3log(10) after 24 hours.
  • Biofilm coverage was reduced by up to 99.5%, with significant reductions in metabolic activity (up to 72%).
  • Staphylococcal biofilms were reduced during and after formation, while enterococcal biofilms were reduced post-formation.

Conclusions:

  • Citrus vapor exhibits potential as a secondary disinfectant in clinical environments.
  • It can effectively reduce surface contamination by VRE and MRSA, contributing to infection control strategies.

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