The Effectiveness of the Antimic® Biocide against Nosocomial Bacteria Specified by Different Standard Methods

Abstract

The effectiveness of Antimic® (3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl, cocodimethylammonium chloride) against different nosocomial pathogens was evaluated. Despite the fact that Antimic® biocide is a recommended compound for disinfecting areas, there is no published data about the antibacterial activity of this formulation against nosocomial pathogens (Acinetobacter baumanii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium). The minimum inhibitory/minimum bactericidal effective concentrations for test bacteria were determined. The bactericidal activity of determined dosages was evaluated using the culture-based quantitative suspension test (British Standards BS EN 1276) for 1 and 5-minute contact period, under clean and dirty conditions. Antibacterial activity was also confirmed by fluorescence staining. The biocide was found to be effective at 25 and 50 mg/L concentrations at contact times of 1 and 5 minute, with ≥ 5 log reduction in all bacteria. According to fluorescent microscopic examinations similar bacteria reduction was determined as ≥ 5 log reduction. The results indicated that Antimic® compound meets the requirements of EN 1276 against the tested bacteria. Moreover, Antimic® biocide provide an advantage by not promoting the viable but non culturable state in the tested bacteria and removing the tested bacteria successfully. The results showed that the execution of different microbiological growth and/or antibacterial activity monitoring tests, simultaneously, provide information about the optimum concentration and contact time of a biocide.