[Aerosol disinfection of airborne bacteria-investigations with the microthread technique (author's transl)]

Investigations were performed in order to examine the microthread technique for its usefulness for testing the efficacy of aerosolized disinfectants to bacteria in a simulated airborne state. In this technique fine spider threads are wound on a metal frame. The test bacteria are captured on these threads and can so be exposed to the disinfectant aerosoles. Under the used conditions all the tested disinfectants (formaldehyde, glutardialdehyde, beta-propiolactone, peracetic acid, Tegodor 73 and Lysoformin) had a good disinfectant effect. The disinfectants were used in concentrations which had proven to be necessary for the disinfection of surfaces. The handling of the spiders, the performance of the tests and the applicability of the method are discussed.