Denmark | Sensitivity of enterococci to chlorine-releasing biocides

This report deals with the development of methods for assessing the effectiveness of biocides. The methods were used to analyze a bacterial species that is known to be difficult to eradicate in hospital settings. In the project, a suspension analysis method has been developed, with which sensitivity to biocides can be effectively investigated in a number of concentrations and with varying exposure times. The problem behind the project is the bacterial species, Enterococcus faecium , and its sensitivity and survivability to chlorine-releasing biocides, as well as survival on surfaces before and after disinfection. In addition, the ability of bacteria to pump potentially harmful substances beyond their cell membrane has been investigated.

Overall, it can be concluded that the recommendations for contact time and concentration must be complied with to ensure the bactericidal effect of chlorine-releasing biocides against E. faecium , while survival on the surfaces shows that cleaning and disinfection are essential to avoid transmission of VREfm from contact surfaces to patients and staff. . Fortunately, it seems that the pre-impregnated chlorine cold has a very good effect under the conditions they are examined here.

High efflux activity may contribute to better survival of hospital-associated E. faecium , e.g. if these are in contact with sublethal concentrations of antimicrobials.

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