ACTIVITY OF DISINFECTANTS AGAINST VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS-FAECIUM

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) often contaminate the hospital environment. We examined the activity of commonly used disinfectants a gainst eight strains of VRE, using a quantitative suspension test meth od. Isopropyl alcohol and sodium hypochlorite were highly effective. H ydrogen peroxide was ineffective for all strains. After 10 minutes of incubation (the manufacturers' recommended time of exposure), three ph enolic and three quaternary ammonium compounds also were highly effect ive. After 3 minutes of exposure, however, occasional failures did occ ur. With the exception of 3% hydrogen peroxide, most disinfectants app ear to be active against VRE.