Antimicrobial activity of environmental surface disinfectants in the absence and presence of bioburden

Article Abstract:

The possibility that contaminated surfaces, such as those found in the typical dental office setting, could transmit infection was tested using 39 disinfectants, five test organisms, and four testing methods. Products that seemed best were tested again with organisms in the presence of blood and serum (termed ''the bioburden''). Disinfectants were members of one of six classes: alcohols, chlorines, dilute glutaraldehydes, iodophors, phenolics, or quaternary ammonium compounds. The test methods were the Association of Official Analytical Chemists Use Dilution Method, the Environmental Protection Agency Tuberculocidal Activity Test Method, the Virucidal (virus-killing) Suspension Test, and the Clinical Research Associates Environmental Wipe Method. Results showed that ethyl alcohol and chlorines inactivated test organisms best without bioburden. The presence of whole blood reduced the effectiveness of disinfectants against microbes, although ethyl alcohol was still the best performer, regardless of bioburden. Some alcohol products that contained less than 55 percent alcohol were not as effective in the presence of bioburden. Alcohol concentration greater than 70 percent produced much better virucidal activity. Many official recommendations advise use of iodophors, chlorines, or phenolics for disinfection, but these results suggest evaluation of these guidelines is in order. Only three products, all alcohols, successfully inactivated all five test organisms under all test conditions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Anti-infective agents, Environmental aspects, Dental offices, Disinfection and disinfectants, Disinfectants, Disinfection

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Differential diagnosis of pediatric conjunctivitis (red eye)

Article Abstract:

Accurately identifying the source of red eye, or conjunctivitis, appears to be important to tailor appropriate treatment and prevent permanent eye damage. Possible sources of red eye include allergic reactions, viral or bacterial infections, physical irritation, or underlying diseases. A thorough history and appropriate screening tests can typically help identify the source of the red eye. Treatments differ depending on the source of the irritation.

Methods, Diagnosis, Conjunctivitis, Infantile, Ophthalmia neonatorum, Diagnosis, Differential, Differential diagnosis

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