International Journal of Research in Virology
Open AccessDevelopment of a Broad-Spectrum Biocide for Hospital Use on Surfaces Exposed to Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Carlos Alvarado Almarza, Sergio Ruiz Alvarez, Isandra Cartaya Mayora.
Abstract
Currently, nosocomial infections represent a major problem in health centers due to inadequate disinfection of their surfaces. Consequently, the objective of this research was to develop a broad-spectrum biocide for hospital use on surfaces. Firstly, various formulations were prepared using benzalkonium chloride, glutaraldehyde, isopropyl alcohol and citric acid as active ingredients. Then, their biocidal activity was determined by applying the neutralization dilution methods UNE-EN using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger as test strains. The results indicated that benzalconium chloride 0.15% w / v and the mixture of benzalkonium chloride 0.075% w / v with 50% v / v isopropyl alcohol turned out to be bactericidal and fungicidal during 5 min of contact and the mixture of benzalkonium chloride 0.075% w / v with 0.15% w / v glutaraldehyde for 15 min contact. Finally, two formulations were evaluated on hospital surfaces for 10 min of contact. The results showed that both benzalkonium chloride and the benzalkonium chloride-isopropyl alcohol mixture reduced 90% of mesophilic aerobes present but only benzalkonium chloride eliminated the pathogenic E. coli / fecal coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. On the other hand, none were efficient in the control of molds and yeasts.
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