Wide variation in effectiveness of laboratory disinfectants against bacteriophages.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify an effective disinfectant for the inactivation of the bacteriophages (phages) being used in our laboratory, as published studies on phage inactivation are far from unanimous in their conclusions.


RESULTS
The phages studied were three closely related strains of Myoviridae and three strains of Siphoviridae. Three disinfectants which are used commonly in microbiology laboratories were evaluated: Virkon (1%), ethanol (75%) and sodium hypochlorite (2500 ppm available chlorine). The most effective of these was Virkon, which inactivated all six phages rapidly. Ethanol was effective against the Myoviridae but had little effect on the Siphoviridae. Sodium hypochlorite was the least effective of the disinfectants evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study demonstrate a wide diversity in the effectiveness of disinfectants tested for inactivation of phages.


CONCLUSIONS
Of the disinfectants tested Virkon is the most suitable choice for those unable to carry out disinfection validation studies, or where a broad spectrum disinfectant against phages is required. All of the phages in this study showed resilience to inactivation by sodium hypochlorite, and therefore this disinfectant is an unwise choice for use against phage without first assessing its effectiveness.
Halfhide
D E
DE
Aerobiology Unit, DFAS, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, UK.
Gannon
B W
BW
Hayes
C M
CM
Roe
J M
JM
D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000187:drug effects*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D019995:Laboratory Chemicals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D038301:Virus Inactivation / Q000187:drug effects*
D004202:Disinfectants; D019995:Laboratory Chemicals