Activity of Disinfectants Against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium

Authors:
  • DLDavid Landman
    David Landman
  • JQJohn M. Quale
    John M. Quale
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) often contaminate the hospital environment. We examined the activity of commonly used disinfectants against eight strains of VRE, using a quantitative suspension test method. Isopropyl alcohol and sodium hypochlorite were highly effective. Hydrogen peroxide was ineffective for all strains. After 10 minutes of incubation (the manufacturers' recommended time of exposure), three phenolic and three quaternary ammonium compounds also were highly effective. After 3 minutes of exposure, however, occasional failures did occur. With the exception of 3% hydrogen peroxide, most disinfectants appear to be active against VRE.

This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit: