Bactericidal efficacy of hospital disinfectants in Burkholderia cepacia

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections highlight the need for effective disinfectants in hospital settings, especially given the growing resistance of certain pathogens to antibiotics and disinfectants. Therefore, the use of effective disinfectants capable of neutralizing microorganisms such as Burkholderia cepacia is required. These microorganisms represent a significant risk in hospitals due to their adaptability and persistence in the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the bactericidal efficacy of disinfecting agents based on the concentration and exposure time to Burkholderia cepacia. Materials and methods: This experimental, cross-sectional study evaluated five disinfectants commonly used in hospitals: sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium chloride, chlorhexidine, alcohol, and povidone-iodine, exposing them to the microorganism at pure concentrations and in 0,5% and 1% dilutions. The AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) dilution method, a quantitative suspension assay, was used to measure the bactericidal capacity of disinfectants under controlled conditions. Results: All disinfectants achieved full bactericidal efficacy (100%) at minimal exposure times (30 seconds), except for alcohol (99,95%). In particular, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine demonstrated optimal efficacy at dilute concentrations (0,5% and 1%), showing rapid and sustained bactericidal activity. Discussion: These findings indicate that alcohol requires longer times for complete elimination of Burkholderia cepacia. This study emphasizes the importance of choosing the type of disinfectant, optimizing the concentration and exposure time to reduce nosocomial infections.