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Activity of disinfectants against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium
G Saurina1, D Landman, J M Quale
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Common hospital disinfectants like alcohol and bleach effectively kill vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). However, hydrogen peroxide was ineffective, and some other disinfectants showed reduced activity with shorter contact times.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
- Environmental Hygiene
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are significant nosocomial pathogens.
- VRE contamination of hospital surfaces poses a risk for patient transmission.
- Effective disinfection is crucial for controlling VRE spread in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of common disinfectants against clinical isolates of VRE.
- To determine the impact of contact time on disinfectant activity against VRE.
- To identify reliable disinfectants for VRE environmental decontamination.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative suspension test method was employed.
- Eight diverse strains of VRE were tested.
- Disinfectant activity was assessed against VRE following manufacturer's recommended and reduced contact times.
Main Results:
- Isopropyl alcohol and sodium hypochlorite demonstrated high bactericidal activity against all VRE strains.
- Phenolic and quaternary ammonium compounds were effective at 10-minute exposure but showed occasional failures at 3 minutes.
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide was consistently ineffective against all tested VRE strains.
Conclusions:
- Most common disinfectants exhibit activity against VRE, with alcohol and hypochlorite being highly effective.
- Shorter exposure times may compromise the efficacy of certain disinfectants like phenolics and quaternary ammonium compounds.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is not recommended for VRE environmental disinfection.