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Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst infectivity by disinfection and sterilization processes.

Authors :
Barbee SL
Weber DJ
Sobsey MD
Rutala WA
Source :
Gastrointestinal endoscopy [Gastrointest Endosc] 1999 May; Vol. 49 (5), pp. 605-11.
Publication Year :
1999

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium parvum is a common cause of self-limited gastroenteritis in the normal host but may cause severe disease in immunocompromised persons. Person-to-person transmission has been well documented in households, child care centers, and hospitals. Because contaminated environmental surfaces and medical devices such as endoscopes may play a role in disease transmission, we studied the susceptibility of C parvum to chemical agents commonly used for disinfection and evaluated the efficacy of sterilization processes.<br />Methods: Seven disinfectants were studied at their use dilution using a suspension test. Antimicrobial activity was assessed with the use of a cell infectivity assay.<br />Results: All sterilization processes tested (steam, ethylene oxide, Sterrad 100) inactivated 3 logs or greater of C parvum. The only liquid disinfectant/sterilant able to inactivate greater than 3 logs of C parvum was 6% and 7.5% hydrogen peroxide. Agents that did not completely inactivate C parvum included hydrogen peroxide at lower concentrations or exposure times, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, a phenolic, a quaternary ammonium compound, 2% glutaraldehyde, and ortho-phthalaldehyde.<br />Conclusions: Most high-level disinfectants used on endoscopes have limited efficacy against C parvum. However, the infectivity of C parvum on dry surfaces decreases rapidly. Therefore, current cleaning and high-level disinfection guidelines are adequate to prevent nosocomial transmission of C parvum by means of endoscopes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0016-5107
Volume :
49
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Gastrointestinal endoscopy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
10228259
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0016-5107(99)70389-5