EVALUATION OF IN-VITRO EFFICACY OF THE DISINFECTANT VIRKON

A study was conducted on a new acid peroxygen system based disinfectan t (Virkon), in order to assess its in vitro efficacy. The chemical was tested on different bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeru ginosa, Escherichia coli), spores (Bacillus subtilis) and on the Hepat itis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and compared in its activity with phen ol and glutaraldehyde (calculation of the 'phenol coefficient' and the 'glutaraldehyde coefficient'). The constancy of speed of disinfection , the coefficient of concentration, the minimal inhibitory concentrati on (MIG) were also determined, and the destruction of the HBsAg antige nic activity was studied using an ELISA kit. The sporicidal efficacy o f Virkon was assessed by cultivating spores in agar nutrient after con tact with different dilutions of the disinfectant. The results of the tests showed that Virkon has a high concentration coefficient (mean va lue of k: 0.374/min) and a wide range of action. The low MIC demonstra tes how little concentrations of Virkon can inactivate all studied bac teria. The disinfectant was also able to destroy the hepatitis B surfa ce antigen, and it demonstrated good activity against spores, especial ly if used in physiologic solution. These characteristics, coupled wit h the absence of irritation or toxic effects on animals showed by othe r studies, make wide fields of application for the new disinfectant fo reseeable.