Assessment of in-vitro efficacy of 1% Virkon (R) against bacteria, fungi, viruses and spores by means of AFNOR guidelines

Peroxygenic acid, under the brand name Virkon(R), has unleashed great debat e following contradictory reports of its efficacy and spectrum of activity. The aim of this study was to test the biocidal activity of the compound ag ainst 10 different micro-organisms, following standard in-vitro test proced ures. Bactericidal, fungicidal and sporicidal activities were determined us ing quantitative suspension and germ carrier tests and virucidal activity w as assessed using a simple dilution suspension test, following the Associat ion Francaise de Normalisation (AFNOR) guidelines. One percent Virkon(R) de monstrated bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichi a coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae and Mycobacterium smegmat is in the suspension test and against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus and E. hirae in the carrier test. One percent Virkon(R) showed virucidal activ ity against poliovirus in the suspension lest. However, this concentration did not comply with sporicidal and fungicidal activity guidelines. In concl usion, 1% Virkon(R) is effective only against vegetative bacteria, yeasts a nd viruses, and should therefore be considered a low-level disinfectant. (C ) 2000 The Hospital Infection Society.