Evaluation of different disinfectant chemistries and application methods on surfaces contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Transmission of health care-acquired infections from pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus is still a concern in hospital environments. Proper cleaning and disinfection application methods are essential to mitigate the spread of pathogens. We hypothesized there would be significant differences in hygiene outcomes of the products, application methods, and wiping cloths.

Methods: Efficacies of 7 products were compared and tested against S. aureus American Type Culture Collection 6538 on a 2-square-meter Formica surface. Four application methods (cloth and bucket, prewet, spray surface and wipe with cloth, and spray cloth and wipe surface) were used with 3 wiping cloths to evaluate differences in hygiene outcomes.

Results: Hydrogen peroxide--based product was most efficacious against S. aureus compared with other products. There were significant differences in application methods and wiping cloths used in the study. Regardless of product, application method, and cloth used, there was evidence of cross-contamination to previously sterile surfaces, wiping cloths, and gloves, especially when nonantimicrobials were used.

Conclusions: Overall, most antimicrobials had higher bactericidal efficacy compared with nonantimicrobials. Desirable hygiene outcomes were achieved when the spray surface and wipe with cloth method, microfiber, and nonwoven cloth were used in the study. However, all cloths retained viable bacteria, posing a risk of cross-contamination.