Evaluation of the sporicidal and tuberculocidal activity of the ``high level disinfectant'' lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide

Abstract number: P1568

Bello T., Rosales-Pantoja P., Acosta-Gio E., de Waard J.H.

Objective. To evaluate the sporicidal and tuberculocidal activity of two lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide formulations (LDBAB) commercialised in Venezuela as high level disinfectants.

Methods. Sporicidal activity was evaluated with the use of membrane filters against a challenge inoculum of 106 Bacillus atrophaeus spores. Tuberculocidal activity was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using the quantitative suspension test described in the European Standard EN14348:2005.

Results. When tested at the concentrations indicated on their respective labels, both LDBAB solutions failed to show either sporicidal or tuberculocidal efficacy.

Conclusion. The LDBAB products tested are widely used in Venezuela for the disinfection of surgical and dental instruments. Public health authorities, as well as medical and dental professionals must correctly identify LDBAB as a low level disinfectant and discourage its use for instrument disinfection, as this practice may cause iatrogenic infections.