Disinfectant Efficacy Against Dry Surface Biofilms of Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Is Product, Time Point and Strain Dependent

Abstract Background: Globally, healthcare associated infections (HAI) are the most frequent adverse outcome in healthcare delivery. Although bacterial biofilms contribute significantly to the incidence of HAI, few studies have investigated the efficacy of common disinfectants against dry surface biofilms (DSB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of seven disinfectants against DSB of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We hypothesized that overall, hydrogen peroxides, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione and quaternary ammonium compounds plus alcohol disinfectants will be more bactericidal against DSB than quaternary ammonium. We also hypothesized that regardless of differences in product chemistries, higher bactericidal efficacies against DSB will be exhibited after 24 h of dehydration compared to 72 h.Methods: Wet surface biofilms of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were grown following EPA-MLB-SOP-MB-19 and dehydrated for 24 h and 72 h to establish DSB. Seven EPA-registered disinfectants were tested against dehydrated DSB following EPA-MLB-SOP-MB-20. Results: Overall, quaternary ammonium plus alcohol, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, and hydrogen peroxide products were more efficacious against DSB than quaternary ammoniums for both tested strains. While there was no significant difference in biofilm killing efficacies between 24 h and 72 h S. aureus biofilms, significantly higher log10 reductions were observed when products were challenged with 24 h P. aeruginosa DSB compared to 72 h P. aeruginosa DSB. Conclusion: Strain type, active ingredient class, and dry time significantly impact disinfectant efficacy against DSB of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa.