Bacillus anthracis spore decontamination in food grease
Kingsley K Amoako1, Kristina Santiago-Mateo, Michael J Shields
1Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Lethbridge Laboratory, National Centres for Animal Disease, P.O. Box 640, Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 3Z4. kingsley.amoako@inspection.gc.ca
Journal of Food Protection
|April 12, 2013
Summary
Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) effectively inactivated Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores, even with animal grease and stainless steel present. Other disinfectants showed varying efficacy under different conditions, highlighting AHP
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain spores pose a significant biosecurity risk.
- Effective decontamination methods are crucial for controlling anthrax spores.
- Disinfectant efficacy can be compromised by organic matter and surface types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sporicidal activity of five disinfectants against Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores.
- To determine disinfectant effectiveness under challenging conditions including animal grease, stainless steel, and varying temperatures.
- To identify a potent disinfectant for rapid and comprehensive spore inactivation.
Main Methods:
- Spores of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain were exposed to five disinfectants: sodium hypochlorite, Spor-Klenz, accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP), Virkon, and surface decontamination foam (SDF).
- Disinfectant efficacy was assessed by measuring the reduction in viable spores (≥6 log reduction).
- Tests were conducted in the presence of stainless steel and animal grease at room temperature and 4 °C, with varying contact times.
Main Results:
- Surface decontamination foam (SDF) and 10% sodium hypochlorite achieved ≥6 log reduction of spores within 5 minutes on stainless steel at room temperature.
- Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) required 10 minutes for consistent ≥6 log spore inactivation on stainless steel at room temperature.
- AHP was the only disinfectant to achieve ≥6 log spore inactivation in the presence of both stainless steel and animal grease at both room temperature and 4 °C after 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) demonstrates superior efficacy in inactivating Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores, particularly in the presence of organic matter and on stainless steel surfaces.
- While SDF and sodium hypochlorite show rapid initial efficacy, AHP provides reliable and comprehensive decontamination under more challenging conditions.
- These findings are critical for developing effective disinfection protocols against Bacillus anthracis spores in diverse settings.
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