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A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Hand disinfectants and their activity against clinical isolates of Bordetella pertussis
Petra Uttlová1,2, Jan Urban1
1National Reference Laboratory for Disinfection and Sterilization, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to investigate possible emergence of resistance to disinfectants in Bordetella pertussis strains isolated from patients with whooping cough in the Czech Republic in 2014 and 2015.
Methods:
In an EN1500-based study, clean and dry fingertips of volunteers were always contaminated with one of the two clinical isolates of B. pertussis. Clinical isolates of B. pertussis were obtained from the National Reference Laboratory for Pertussis and Diphtheria, National Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Prague, Czech Republic. Dry and contaminated fingertips were immersed in 10 ml medium and then rubbed with the fingers for 1 minute. After that, the hands were treated with isopropanol 60% v/v or tested products, and then the fingertips were rubbed again into 10 ml of pure medium for 1 minute. The suspensions obtained were immediately diluted and plated on charcoal medium.
Results:
Ethanol-based product A and propanol-based product B showed bactericidal activity after 30 s of contact. The confidence interval limit for product A and B was 0.12 and 0.19, respectively. Quaternary ammonium compound-based product C was found to be ineffective after 30 s of contact. The confidence interval limit for product C was 0.62.
Conclusion:
Products A and B were assessed as effective against clinical isolates of B. pertussis in accordance with EN 1500. Quaternary ammonium compound-based product C did not comply with the requirements of EN 1500.
Insights
Ethanol and propanol disinfectants effectively killed Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough bacteria) in lab tests. Quaternary ammonium compounds were ineffective, indicating potential resistance in clinical Bordetella pertussis strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis, remains a public health concern.
- Disinfectant resistance in bacterial pathogens is an emerging threat.
- Monitoring disinfectant efficacy against circulating strains is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the susceptibility of clinical Bordetella pertussis isolates to common disinfectants.
- To investigate potential disinfectant resistance in strains from the Czech Republic.
Main Methods:
- A standardized EN 1500 method was used to test disinfectant efficacy.
- Clinical Bordetella pertussis isolates were applied to volunteers' fingertips.
- Fingertips were treated with ethanol-based product A, propanol-based product B, or quaternary ammonium compound-based product C.
- Bactericidal activity was assessed after 30 seconds of contact.
Main Results:
- Ethanol-based product A demonstrated bactericidal activity (CI limit 0.12).
- Propanol-based product B also showed bactericidal activity (CI limit 0.19).
- Quaternary ammonium compound-based product C was ineffective (CI limit 0.62).
Conclusions:
- Products A and B meet EN 1500 standards for Bordetella pertussis disinfection.
- Product C failed to meet EN 1500 requirements, suggesting potential resistance.
- Disinfectant choice is critical for controlling Bordetella pertussis outbreaks.
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