In vitro evaluation of a novel process for reducing bacterial contamination of environmental surfaces

Background: Disinfection of contaminated surfaces is an integral and challenging aspect of infection prevention. We evaluated the ability of Goldshield 5 (GS; NBS Technology, Laurelton, NY), an antimicrobial surfactant that coats surfaces with covalently bound octadecyldimethylammonium ions, to reduce the bacterial burden on contaminated surfaces. Methods: We tested the GS product for inhibitory activity against patient isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and Escherichia coli (EC) on fabric according to the garment industry standard American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists 100 protocol. We also tested the product for activity against these same isolates in carrier tests with a modified Association of Official Analytical Chemists use-dilution method. Results: On fabric, viability of bacterial isolates was inhibited for 14 days. GS also reduced recovery of viable MRSA, PA, and EC from Formica and stainless steel carriers treated with the product. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that GS has inhibitory activity and potential utility as part of an infection control process.