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High-level or hype? Disinfectants in Venezuela under review
Franklin Claro1, Juan Fernández1, Abraham Martínez1
1Departamento de Tuberculosis y Micobacteriosis, Servicio Autónomo Instituto de Biomedicina "Dr. Jacinto Convit", Hospital Vargas de Caracas, San José, Caracas 1010, Venezuela.
Infection, Disease & Health
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Most local disinfectants failed efficacy tests, even under clean conditions. Rely on verified data, not claims, for hospital disinfection to ensure effective infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous NTM outbreaks in 2006 highlighted issues with local disinfectants.
- Renewed NTM outbreaks in 2024 prompted a re-evaluation of local disinfectant efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of locally manufactured disinfectants claiming high-level disinfection (HLD), sterilant, or sporicidal activity.
- To identify critical gaps in disinfectant regulation and product quality.
Main Methods:
- 14 locally marketed disinfectants were tested for mycobactericidal and sporicidal activity using EN 14348 and EN 17126 standards.
- Efficacy was evaluated under both clean and organic-loaded (dirty) conditions.
- Specific log reduction criteria were applied for HLD (≥4-log10 spore reduction) and intermediate-level disinfection (4-log10 mycobacteria reduction).
Main Results:
- Only one glutaraldehyde-based product met high-level disinfection criteria.
- Three intermediate-level disinfectants demonstrated the required mycobactericidal activity.
- Most products failed efficacy tests, particularly under organic load, indicating low-level disinfection at best.
Conclusions:
- The majority of locally marketed disinfectants do not meet stated efficacy claims, revealing significant regulatory shortcomings.
- Independent verification of disinfectant efficacy is crucial for safe hospital disinfection practices.
- Systematic regional testing is needed to ensure effective infection control and public health protection.
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