In Vitro Activity of Commercially Available Disinfectants against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Overview

In vitro antibacterial efficacy of 14 commercially available disinfectants against the hospital pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was tested. The test disinfectants included 5 “pure” quartenary ammonium compounds (QACs) and 9 combination formulations with QACs as the major ingredient. Antibacterial efficacy was expressed as MIC, ED₅₀and inhibition of the rate of incorporation of radioactive precursors [¹⁴C] adenine and [¹⁴C] leucine. Based on their activity, the disinfectants were divided into four groups. Group I characterized by high inhibitory activity (MIC 0.045–0.09 μg/ml) comprised benzalconium chloride and Triquart. Group II included formulations with good antibacterial activity (MIC 0.19–0.78 μg/ml) while group III formulations showed MICs between 1.56 and 25 μg/ml. The less active Cetrimid (MIC 50–100 μg/ml) was classified into group IV. When effects on biosynthetic processes expressed as R values (IC₅₀Ade : IC₅₀ Leu) were tested, R 50 Ade and IC₅₀ Leu are suggestive of effects on the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins leading to inhibition of the two precursors. Endogenous respiration was almost 50 % inhibited by Cetrimid and Microbac forte at a concentration of 0.78 μg/ml, and 100 % inhibited by Almyrol, Diesen forte and Microbac forte at a concentration of 6.25 μg/ml and by FD312, Triquart, Hexaquart plus, Hexaquart S, ID 212, TPH 5225 at a concentration of 12.5 μg/ml.

Key words:
disinfectants –⁠ incorporation of [¹⁴C] precursors –⁠ respiration –⁠ Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.