Evaluation of survival of Candida albicans on PVC surfaces in the test of yeasticidal activity of disinfectant

Introduction: Candida albicans survival tests on PCV carriers are necessary for the proper determination of the effectiveness yeasticidal activity of disinfectants. C. albicans is a pathogenic microorganism that causes fungal diseases and therefore its spread in the medical and non-medical areas should be limited by disinfection. Methods: Survival of C. albicans was estimated with using principles of PN-EN 16615 standard. Suspension of C. albicans with interfering substances (0,3 g/l bovine albumin) was dry on PCV carriers under a laminar chamber without fan, at the ambient temperature for no longer than 60 minutes. C. albicans was recovered from the carriers immediately after drying and after contact time (1; 5, 10, 20, 40; 60 minutes). Results: The drying conditions applied reduced the recovery of C. albicans from 1.21 to 2.07 on a logarithmic decimal scale with respect to the test suspension with interfering substances. The difference between the recovery immediately after drying and the recovery after the tested contact times (up to 60 minutes) was insignificant. Conclusions: Achieving the number of C. albicans after the drying process, as provided for in PN-EN 16615, requires further improvement of the drying conditions or an increase of C. albicans suspension density before drying.