Use of a new alginate film test to study the bactericidal efficacy of the high-level disinfectant ortho-phthalaldehyde.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the merit of a new alginate efficacy film test to determine the bactericidal activity of the high-level disinfectant ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA).


METHODS
The efficacy of OPA was investigated using a new sodium alginate surface film test against Mycobacterium chelonae NCIMB 1474 and Epping, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIMB 10421 under different test conditions.


RESULTS
OPA was highly bactericidal against P. aeruginosa but its mycobactericidal efficacy was seriously reduced and produced >or=5 log reductions only at a concentration of 0.5% (w/v) within 30-60 min without organic load.


CONCLUSIONS
The sodium alginate film efficacy was reproducible between repeats. Inactivation results depended upon the concentration of OPA, contact time, the presence of an organic load and the bacterial genera.
Shackelford
J C N
JC
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK.
Hanlon
G W
GW
Maillard
J-Y
JY
D000464:Alginates; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D016926:Mycobacterium chelonae / Q000187:drug effects; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000464:Alginates; D004202:Disinfectants; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde