Yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics against Candida auris

J Hosp Infect. 2017 Dec;97(4):371-375. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.08.019. Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Abstract

Candida auris appears to be transmitted readily between patients, yet information regarding the efficacy of environmental disinfection and skin decolonization is lacking. A quantitative suspension test (EN 13624:2013) was used to evaluate the yeasticidal activity of different chemical disinfectants and antiseptics against C. auris and Candida albicans. When tested in suspension, both a chlorine-based disinfectant and iodine-based skin antiseptic were effective against C. auris, suggesting that their use could reduce environmental contamination and skin colonization, respectively, if applied appropriately. Chlorhexidine-based products may also be effective. However, in this study, activity depended on formulation, specifically the presence of isopropyl alcohol.

Keywords: Candida auris; Chlorhexidine gluconate; Chlorine; Povidone-iodine; Quantitative suspension test.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / pharmacology*
  • Candida / drug effects*
  • Candida / physiology
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Candida albicans / physiology
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Disinfectants