Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
A Ligated Intestinal Loop Model in Anesthetized Specific Pathogen Free Chickens to Study Clostridium Perfringens Virulence
Published on: October 11, 2018
Evaluation of Commonly Used Products for Disinfecting Clipper Blades in Veterinary Practices: A Pilot Study
Benjamin Ley1, Edward Silverman1, Kara Peery1
1From El Paso Veterinary Specialty Center, El Paso, TX (B.L., E.S., K.P.); and the Microbiology Department, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX (D.D.).
Abstract:
Nosocomial infections are a concern of growing interest in veterinary medicine. Clipper blades have been confirmed as fomites for numerous potential pathogens and, as such, may be associated with wound and surgical site infections. The goal of this study was to evaluate the disinfectant capabilities of several commonly used clipper blade cleaning products. Seventy sterile clipper blades were inoculated with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus . Blades were then subjected to one of seven treatment groups for disinfecting. Quantitative cultures of remaining bacteria were performed. All blades in the control group showed large amounts of bacterial recovery. Culture results showed no recovery in blades soaked in alcohol or chlorhexidine or those sprayed with an ethanol/o-phenylphenol product, while moderate recovery was seen with all other treatments. These results show that persistent contamination of clipper blades can occur with the use of several commonly used disinfectant products. Further research is necessary to evaluate fungicidal capabilities as well as the effect of disinfection on clipper blade maintenance.
Insights
Disinfecting veterinary clipper blades with common products may not fully eliminate bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Alcohol and chlorhexidine showed the best results in preventing nosocomial infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are a growing concern in veterinary medicine.
- Clipper blades can act as fomites, potentially spreading pathogens and causing surgical site infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the disinfectant efficacy of commonly used clipper blade cleaning products.
- To determine the effectiveness of various disinfectants against specific bacterial strains on clipper blades.
Main Methods:
- Seventy sterile clipper blades were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Blades underwent one of seven disinfection treatments, followed by quantitative bacterial cultures.
Main Results:
- Complete bacterial elimination was observed with alcohol or chlorhexidine soaks, and an ethanol/o-phenylphenol spray.
- Moderate bacterial recovery occurred with other tested disinfectant products.
- The control group showed significant bacterial recovery.
Conclusions:
- Persistent contamination of clipper blades is possible with certain commonly used disinfectants.
- Further research is needed to assess fungicidal activity and the impact of disinfection on blade maintenance.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...