The comparison of various disinfectants? efficacy on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm layers

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Biofilms are microbial communities highly resistant to antibiotics and biocides.
• This resistance leads to chronic, difficult-to-treat infections with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Effective disinfection strategies are crucial for preventing biofilm-associated infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of four disinfectants (orthophthalaldehyde, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.
• To compare the impact of these disinfectants on both biofilm layers and viable microbial cells.

Main Methods:

• Biofilm quantification was performed using the crystal violet assay.
• Viable microbial cell counts were determined via a resazurin assay.
• Disinfectant efficacy was assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Results:

• Sodium hypochlorite demonstrated the highest efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing biofilm by 83.6% and live cells by 99.7%.
• For Staphylococcus aureus, hydrogen peroxide reduced the biofilm layer by 80.3%, while sodium hypochlorite reduced live cells by 99.8%.
• Sodium hypochlorite proved to be the most effective disinfectant against both biofilm layers and live cells of both tested microorganisms.

Conclusions:

• High-level use of sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant for surfaces and medical equipment can help prevent biofilm-related infections.
• Further research is needed on biofilm prevention strategies and standardization of methods for evaluating disinfectant effectiveness.
• Sodium hypochlorite emerges as a potent agent for controlling problematic bacterial biofilms in healthcare settings.