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Microbial contamination of antiseptics and disinfectants
Background:
There have been a number of reports on microbial contamination of antiseptics and disinfectants. At present, however, the necessity of measures to prevent contamination do not seem to be fully appreciated. We investigated microbial contamination of antiseptics and disinfectants that are used in our hospital.
Methods:
Fifty-one samples of benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine gluconate that were being used in the hospital were examined. Viability of the contaminants detected in these samples was also tested in the agents. Then we examined measures to prevent contamination of these agents.
Results:
Microbial contamination was detected at 10(2) to 10(7) CFU/ml in the following samples: 6 of 23 samples of cotton balls soaked in 0.02% benzalkonium chloride kept in a canister for antisepsis and disinfection (26.1%); 7 of 13 samples of 0.02%, benzalkonium chloride or 0.02% chlorhexidine gluconate in an irrigation apparatus kept at 37 degrees C for vaginal douching (53.8%); and 9 of 15 samples of 0.02% benzalkonium chloride or 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate for storage of suction catheters in a plastic bottle (60%). The major contaminants were Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Xanthomonas maltophilia, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The first two organisms examined grew in the agents. After improvements in the handling of the antiseptics and disinfectants, no microbial contamination was observed.
Conclusions:
It is necessary to check microbial contamination of diluted benzalkonium chloride and diluted chlorhexidine gluconate that are in use. Such products are not recommended as antiseptics.
Insights
Microbial contamination is common in diluted benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine gluconate. Improved handling practices eliminated contamination, indicating these agents are not recommended as antiseptics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hospital Infection Control
- Antiseptic and Disinfectant Efficacy
Background:
- Previous reports highlight microbial contamination in antiseptics and disinfectants.
- The necessity of contamination prevention measures is often underestimated.
- This study investigated microbial contamination in hospital-used antiseptics and disinfectants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of microbial contamination in commonly used antiseptic and disinfectant solutions.
- To identify the types of microorganisms contaminating these solutions.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of improved handling procedures in preventing contamination.
Main Methods:
- Examined 51 samples of benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine gluconate solutions.
- Tested the viability of detected contaminants within the antiseptic/disinfectant agents.
- Implemented and assessed improved handling measures for these agents.
Main Results:
- Significant microbial contamination (10^2 to 10^7 CFU/ml) found in 26.1% of cotton ball samples, 53.8% of irrigation apparatus samples, and 60% of suction catheter storage samples.
- Predominant contaminants included Burkholderia cepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which demonstrated growth in the agents.
- Post-intervention, improved handling resulted in no detectable microbial contamination.
Conclusions:
- Diluted benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine gluconate require regular microbial testing during use.
- These diluted solutions are not recommended for use as antiseptics due to contamination risks.