Antimicrobial effect of slow release chlorine dioxide disinfectant, in comparison with sodium dichloroisocyanurate
Date
2011-02-14
Authors
Ebonwu, Joy Ikechi
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Abstract
The goal of infection control is to minimize the risk of exposure to potential pathogens
and to create a safe working environment in which patients can be treated. Use of
disinfectants in is an integral part of infection control. The rate of killing of
microorganisms depends upon the type, concentration and time of exposure of the killing
agent (disinfectant). Chlorinated compounds are frequently used in healthcare settings but
chlorine dioxide has only been used in industries on a large scale. Aseptrol® is newly
developed slow release chlorine dioxide and noncorrosive formula which can be used on
a smaller scale basis. This study assessed the antimicrobial properties of Aseptrol®
(48ppm and 24ppm) in comparison with previously used sodium dichloroisocyanurate
containing formula, Presept® (10 000ppm).
Both disinfectants killed more susceptible bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas. aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans within 30 seconds and proved to be
fungicidal by killing Candida albicans within 30 seconds. Aseptrol® and Presept® killed
less susceptible mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium
avium subsp. avium and blood borne organism Hepatitis B virus within 30 seconds.
Highly resistant B. subtilis spores were killed in 2 and 2.5 minutes by Aseptrol® and
Presept® respectively.
Although manufacturers recommend that the disinfectant solutions should be prepared
daily, when the shelf-life of prepared solutions stored in screw cap bottles was studied,
the results showed that Aseptrol® can be effectively used for 27 day and Presept® for
more than 37 days.
The goal of infection control is to minimize the risk of exposure to potential pathogens
and to create a safe working environment in which patients can be treated. Use of
disinfectants in is an integral part of infection control. The rate of killing of
microorganisms depends upon the type, concentration and time of exposure of the killing
agent (disinfectant). Chlorinated compounds are frequently used in healthcare settings but
chlorine dioxide has only been used in industries on a large scale. Aseptrol® is newly
developed slow release chlorine dioxide and noncorrosive formula which can be used on
a smaller scale basis. This study assessed the antimicrobial properties of Aseptrol®
(48ppm and 24ppm) in comparison with previously used sodium dichloroisocyanurate
containing formula, Presept® (10 000ppm).
Both disinfectants killed more susceptible bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas. aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans within 30 seconds and proved to be
fungicidal by killing Candida albicans within 30 seconds. Aseptrol® and Presept® killed
less susceptible mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium
avium subsp. avium and blood borne organism Hepatitis B virus within 30 seconds.
Highly resistant B. subtilis spores were killed in 2 and 2.5 minutes by Aseptrol® and
Presept® respectively.
Although manufacturers recommend that the disinfectant solutions should be prepared
daily, when the shelf-life of prepared solutions stored in screw cap bottles was studied,
the results showed that Aseptrol® can be effectively used for 27 day and Presept® for
more than 37 days.
Chlorinated disinfectants, such as Aseptrol® and Presept®, have potential to be used as
intermediate to high level disinfectants in medical and dental settings, where above test
organisms are primary contaminants. It is also possible to use them as sterilants, where
semicritical conditions are required. Aseptrol® has an additional advantage because it is
noncorrosive and can be used on metal instruments.
Description
MSc (Med), Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
Keywords
disinfectant, chlorine dioxide, sodium dichloroisocyanurate