Efficacy of three surface disinfectants against spores of Clostridium difficile ribotype 027

Background: The emergence of Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 raised the question of sporicidal surface disinfectants are also effective against spores of C. difficile ribotype 027. Materials and methods: Three surface disinfectants based on magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate (Dismozon pur), a combination of (ethylenedioxy)dimethanol, glutaral and benzyl-C12-18-alkyldimethylammonium chlorides (Kohrsolin extra) and a combination of glutaral, benzyl-C12-18-alkyldimethylammonium chlorides and didecyl-dimethylammonium chloride (Kohrsolin FF) were tested in a suspension test in various concentrations and contact times against spores of three C. difficile strains including ribotype 027. Results: All three surface disinfectant reduced the number of spores by >= 4 log(10) steps, e.g. Dismozon pur at 1.5% and 2 h exposure time, Kohrsolin extra at 2% and 4 h exposure time, and Kohrsolin FF at 2% and 6 h exposure time. Spores of ribotype 027 did not show a lower susceptibility to Dismozon put compared to the other two C. difficile strains. Conclusions: All three tested surface disinfectants should be effective for surface disinfection in outbreaks caused by C difficile ribotype 027. (C) 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.