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[Antimicrobial and sporicidal efficacy of various disinfectant solutions]
M R Gismondo1, L Drago, A Lombardi
1Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Cattedra di Microbiologia Clinica, Università degli Studi, Milano.
Abstract:
The often indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents has led to increased bacterial resistance over the past years. This phenomenon is above all evident in nosocomial environments but also at a community level. It is therefore important that, in addition to the rational use of antibiotics, an accurate prophylaxis is performed which includes the correct use of disinfectants. This study examines the antimicrobial activity of various commercially available disinfectant solutions consisting of one or more active ingredients. An analysis of the results reveals that products consisting of an association of individual components (quaternary ammonium chloride with o-phenylphenol and/or isopropyl alcohol; chlorhexidine with benzalkonium chloride or with diazolidinylurea and isopropanol) demonstrate a greater efficacy in terms of microbicidal concentration and contact times.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance is rising. Combining disinfectant ingredients, like quaternary ammonium chloride with o-phenylphenol or chlorhexidine with benzalkonium chloride, shows greater effectiveness against microbes than single agents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents has accelerated bacterial resistance globally.
- This resistance is prevalent in both hospital (nosocomial) and community settings.
- Effective prophylaxis, including proper disinfectant use, is crucial alongside rational antibiotic prescribing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of various commercial disinfectant solutions.
- To compare the effectiveness of single-ingredient versus multi-ingredient disinfectants.
- To identify disinfectant formulations with superior microbicidal activity and reduced contact times.
Main Methods:
- Assessed antimicrobial activity of multiple commercially available disinfectant solutions.
- Tested products containing single or multiple active ingredients.
- Determined microbicidal concentration and required contact times for efficacy.
Main Results:
- Disinfectant products combining multiple active ingredients demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.
- Specific effective combinations included quaternary ammonium chloride with o-phenylphenol and/or isopropyl alcohol.
- Other effective combinations were chlorhexidine with benzalkonium chloride or diazolidinylurea and isopropanol.
Conclusions:
- Multi-component disinfectant formulations are more effective than single-ingredient products.
- Optimized disinfectant combinations can improve prophylaxis against resistant bacteria.
- Strategic use of combined disinfectants is vital for controlling antimicrobial resistance.