Multipurpose solutions and rates of biocidal efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the hypothesis that reasonable levels of disinfection are achievable over relatively short exposure durations of microorganisms to multipurpose solutions, this study examined the stand-alone disinfection efficacy at 10, 20, and 30 min of five different multipurpose solutions products, each against five different pathogens eye care practitioners may encounter in their contact lens practice.


METHODS
ReNu MultiPlus, ReNu Multi-Purpose, AQuify, OptiFree Express, and OptiFree RepleniSH were evaluated for their microbiocidal efficacy using the stand-alone method at 10, 20, and 30 min of exposure to either Fusarium solani, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.


RESULTS
Solutions which showed significantly higher rates of disinfection at 30 min were ReNu MultiPlus against Fusarium solani and Candida albicans, and both ReNu MultiPlus and AQuify against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens. There were no statistically significant differences at 30 min amongst solutions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.


CONCLUSIONS
The product attribute of rapid rate of disinfection may give a greater level of assurance to practitioners when patients are noncompliant and do not follow the recommended time period for lens disinfection. The results of this study, however, should not be interpreted as a recommendation to use any of the solutions tested for a disinfection period less than the recommended soak time. Patient compliance with recommended lens care regimens is essential in minimizing the risk of contamination of contact lenses and lens care accessories.
Scheuer
Catherine
C
Lens Care for Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY 14609, USA. catherine.a.scheuer@bausch.com
Zhao
Fang
F
Erb
Tara
T
Orsborn
Gary
G
D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D018639:Contact Lens Solutions / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000592:standards*; D005670:Fusarium / Q000187:drug effects; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000187:drug effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D018639:Contact Lens Solutions