Limitations of the efficacy of surface disinfection in the healthcare setting

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2009 Jun;30(6):570-3. doi: 10.1086/597382.

Abstract

We examined the efficacy of 2 commercially available wipes to effectively remove, kill, and prevent the transfer of both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus from contaminated surfaces. Although wipes play a role in decreasing the number of pathogenic bacteria from contaminated surfaces, they can potentially transfer bacteria to other surfaces if they are reused.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Biguanides / administration & dosage
  • Biguanides / pharmacology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Disinfectants* / administration & dosage
  • Disinfectants* / pharmacology
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Hospitals, University*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / pharmacology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Wales

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Biguanides
  • Disinfectants
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds