Efficiency study of biocides used in hospitals on Enterococci

Abstract

The present work explore the efficiency of some disinfectants used in hospitals in the operating theaters
of the Maternity Department and the Neonatology Unit in the EHS of Tlemcen. Four biocides of
different formulations were used: quaternary ammonium, glutaraldehyde, alcohols, and quaternary
ammonium + alcohols. The disinfectant sensitivity test was carried out by determining the minimum
inhibitory concentration of the different molecules on microplate with respect to eight reference strains
and 50 strains of Enterococci isolated in a hospital environment. The results of the MIC revealed a
good efficiency of quaternary ammoniums and alcohols on Enterococci. However, the glutaraldehyde
product remained ineffective with respect to the majority of strains tested. In conclusion, the
concentration of the disinfectant used the diversity of the active ingredient and the type of
microorganism greatly influence the activity of the biocide.