title: Activity of disinfectants against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.
abstract: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) often contaminate the hospital environment. We examined the activity of commonly used disinfectants against eight strains of VRE, using a quantitative suspension test method. Isopropyl alcohol and sodium hypochlorite were highly effective. Hydrogen peroxide was ineffective for all strains. After 10 minutes of incubation (the manufactures' recommended time of exposure), three phenolic and three quaternary ammonium compounds also were highly effective. After 3 minutes of exposure, however, occasional failures did occur. With the exception of 3% hydrogen peroxide, most disinfectants appear to be active against VRE.
authors.affiliation: Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saurina
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Landman
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Quale
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014640:Vancomycin
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004202:Disinfectants; D014640:Vancomycin