[Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect and toxicity of glutaraldehyde]

The antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity of a solution containing 20 g.l-1 glutaraldehyde was evaluated. All the tested germs of gram-negative microorganisms and of the strain Staphylococcus aureus were killed within 5 minutes, those of mycobacteria within 120 minutes, and bacterial spores in the course of 240 minutes. The fungicidal effect of the solution upon the strain Candida albicans became manifest after 10 minute exposure and upon the tested genera of dermatophytes after 30 minute exposure. The bacteriophage phi X 174 was inactivated within 60 minutes. In the view of the obtained values of its antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity, glutaraldehyde is recommended as a chemosterilizing substance.