Analysis of the sporicidal activity of chlorine dioxide disinfectant against Bacillus anthracis (Sterne strain)

Assessment of calcium hypochlorite for Bacillus anthracis spore surface's decontamination

Contamination with microorganisms occurs in laboratories but is also of high concern in the context of bioterrorism. Decontamination is a cornerstone that promotes good laboratory practices and occupational health and safety. Among the most resistant structures formed by microorganisms are spores, produced notably by Clostridium and Bacillus species. Here, we compared six products containing four different molecules (hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sodium and calcium hypochlorite) on B. anthracis Sterne spores. We first selected the most efficient product based on its activity against spore suspensions using French and European standards. Four products showed sporicidal activity, of which only two did so in a time frame consistent with good laboratory practices. Then, we tested one of these two products under laboratory conditions on fully virulent B. anthracis spores, during common use and after contamination through a spill of a highly concentrated spore suspension. We, thus, robustly validated a decontaminant based on calcium hypochlorite not only on its ability to kill spores but also on its effectiveness under laboratory conditions. At the end, we were able to assure a complete disinfection in 1 min after spillover and in 2 min for common use.

Risk of chlorine dioxide as emerging contaminant during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: enzyme, cardiac, and behavior effects on amphibian tadpoles

Objective

The use of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) increased in the last year to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its use as disinfectant and therapeutic human treatments against viral infections. The absence of toxicological studies and sanitary regulation of this contaminant represents a serious threat to human and environmental health worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and sublethal effects of ClO₂ on tadpoles of Trachycephalus typhonius, which is a common bioindicator species of contamination from aquatic ecosystems.

Materials and methods

Median lethal concentration (LC50), the lowest-observed effect concentration (LOEC), and the no-observed effect concentration (NOEC) were performed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, swimming behavior parameters, and cardiac rhythm were estimated on tadpoles of concentrations ≤ LOEC exposed at 24 and 96 h. ANOVA and Dunnett’s post-hoc comparisons were performed to define treatments significance (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

The LC50 of ClO₂ was 4.17 mg L⁻¹ (confidence limits: 3.73–4.66). In addition, NOEC and LOEC values were 1.56 and 3.12 mg L⁻¹ ClO₂, respectively, at 48 h. AChE and GST activities, swimming parameters, and heart rates increased in sublethal exposure of ClO₂ (0.78–1.56 mg L⁻¹) at 24 h. However, both enzyme activities and swimming parameters decreased, whereas heart rates increased at 96 h.

Conclusion

Overall, this study determined that sublethal concentrations of ClO₂ produced alterations on antioxidant systems, neurotoxicity reflected on swimming performances, and variations in cardiac rhythm on treated tadpoles. Thus, our findings highlighted the need for urgent monitoring of this chemical in the aquatic ecosystems.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13530-021-00116-3.

Effectiveness of calcium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, and sodium hypochlorite in eliminating vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus anthracis surrogate

BACKGROUND

The spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, an often-fatal infection in animals. Therefore, a rapid and reliable strategy to decontaminate areas, humans, and livestock from B. anthracis is very critical.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) sanitizers, which are commonly used in the food industry, to inhibit spores and vegetative cells of B. anthracis surrogate.

METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and a QAC in inhibiting vegetative cells and spores of a B. anthracis surrogate. We treated a 0.1-mL vegetative cell culture or spore solution with 10 mL sanitizer. The samples were serially diluted and cultured.

RESULTS

We found that 50 ppm sodium hypochlorite (pH 7), 1 ppm calcium hypochlorite, and 1 ppm QAC completely eliminated the cells in vegetative state. Exposure to 3,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite (pH 7) and 300 ppm calcium hypochlorite significantly eliminated the bacterial spores; however, 50,000 ppm QAC could not eliminate all spores.

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium hypochlorite and QAC showed better performance than sodium hypochlorite in completely eliminating vegetative cells of B. anthracis surrogate. QAC was ineffective against spores of the B. anthracis surrogate. Among the three commercial disinfectants tested, calcium hypochlorite most effectively eliminated both B. anthracis vegetative cells and spores.

Disinfectants Used in Stomatology and SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Effective disinfection is a basic procedure in medical facilities, including those conducting dental surgeries, where treatments for tissue discontinuity are also performed, as it is an important element of infection prevention. Disinfectants used in dentistry and dental and maxillofacial surgery include both inorganic (hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite-hypochlorite) and organic compounds (ethanol, isopropanol, peracetic acid, chlorhexidine, eugenol). Various mechanisms of action of disinfectants have been reported, which include destruction of the structure of bacterial and fungal cell membranes; damage of nucleic acids; denaturation of proteins, which in turn causes inhibition of enzyme activity; loss of cell membrane integrity; and decomposition of cell components. This article discusses the most important examples of substances used as disinfectants in dentistry and presents the mechanisms of their action with particular focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The search was conducted in ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The interest of scientists in the use of disinfectants in dental practice is constantly growing, which results in the increasing number of publications on disinfection, sterilization, and asepsis. Many disinfectants often possess several of the abovementioned mechanisms of action. In addition, disinfectant preparations used in dental practice either contain one compound or are frequently a mixture of active compounds, which increases their range and effectiveness of antimicrobial action. Currently available information on disinfectants that can be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in dental practices was summarized.

Review of Decontamination Techniques for the Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis and Other Spore-Forming Bacteria Associated with Building or Outdoor Materials

Since the intentional release of Bacillus anthracis spores through the U.S. Postal Service in the fall of 2001, research and development related to decontamination for this biological agent have increased substantially. This review synthesizes the advances made relative to B. anthracis spore decontamination science and technology since approximately 2002, referencing the open scientific literature and publicly available, well-documented scientific reports. In the process of conducting this review, scientific knowledge gaps have also been identified. This review focuses primarily on techniques that are commercially available and that could potentially be used in the large-scale decontamination of buildings and other structures, as well as outdoor environments. Since 2002, the body of scientific data related to decontamination and microbial sterilization has grown substantially, especially in terms of quantifying decontamination efficacy as a function of several factors. Specifically, progress has been made in understanding how decontaminant chemistry, the materials the microorganisms are associated with, environmental factors, and microbiological methods quantitatively impact spore inactivation. While advancement has been made in the past 15 years to further the state of the science in the inactivation of bacterial spores in a decontamination scenario, further research is warranted to close the scientific gaps that remain.

Antiviral activity of a novel composition of peracetic acid disinfectant on parvoviruses

Porcine parvoviruses (PPV) are known to be particularly resistant to many disinfectants used to control other non-enveloped viruses. However, effective disinfectants used against PPV are harsh and corrosive to animal health facilities and the environment. We propose a noncorrosive "green" disinfectant that generates peracetic acid in-situ and is capable of inactivating PPV completely at a 1% concentration for a 10-minute contact time.

A study of the properties of chlorine dioxide gas as a fumigant

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a strong oxidant that possesses an antimicrobial activity. We demonstrated here that ClO2 gas is easily generated by mixing 3.35% sodium chlorite solution (Purogene) and 85% phosphoric acid at a 10:1 volume ratio without using an expensive machine. In a test room (87 m(3)), experiments were carried out using various amounts of sodium chlorite solution (0.25 ml/m(3) to 20.0 ml/m(3)). The gas concentration increased in a sodium chlorite volume-dependent manner and reached peak values of from 0.8 ppm to 40.8 ppm at 2 h-3 h, and then gradually decreased. No differences in gas concentrations were observed between 0.1 and 2.5 m above the floor, indicating that the gas was evenly distributed. Under high-humidity (approximately 80% relative humidity), colony formation of both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was completely inhibited by ClO2 gas exposure at 1.0 ml/m(3) sodium chlorite solution (mean maximal concentration of 3.0 ppm). Exposure at 4.0 ml/m(3) sodium chlorite solution (mean maximal concentration of 10.6 ppm) achieved complete inactivation of Bacillus atrophaeus spores. In contrast, without humidification, the efficacy of ClO2 gas was apparently attenuated, suggesting that the atmospheric moisture is indispensable. Delicate electronic devices (computer, camera, etc.) operated normally, even after being subjected to more than 20 times of fumigation. Considering that our method for gas generation is simple, reproducible, and highly effective at decontaminating microbes, our approach is expected to serve as an inexpensive alternative method for cleaning and disinfecting animal facilities.

Factors in the Selection of Surface Disinfectants for Use in a Laboratory Animal Setting

Because surface disinfectants are an important means of pathogen control within laboratory animal facilities, these products must have an appropriate spectrum of antimicrobial activity. However, many other factors must also be considered, including effects on human health, environmental safety, and animal behavior. Aqueous solutions of sodium hypochlorite often are considered to be the 'gold standard' for surface disinfection, but these products can be corrosive, caustic, and aversive in odor. This study was designed to identify disinfectants that are as effective as hypochlorite solutions but more acceptable for use in a laboratory animal setting. An antiviral disinfectant-efficacy assay was developed by using viral vectors that expressed green fluorescence protein as surrogates for wild-type viruses of concern in laboratory animals. Efficacy testing revealed that most of the products were highly effective when used against viral vectors in suspension. However, when the disinfectants were challenged by buffering virus in protein or drying virus on nonporous surfaces, the hypochlorite and peroxymonosulfate products performed the best. Review of safety data sheets for the agents indicated that a peroxide-based product was considerably safer than the other products tested and that the pH of most products was not conducive to disposal down a drain. Behavioral testing of Swiss Webster, C57Bl/6, and BALB/c mice showed that the hypochlorite- and peroxide-based products were clearly aversive, given that the mice consistently avoided these products. All of these factors must be considered when choosing the appropriate disinfectant.

Control of Clostridium difficile infection in the hospital setting

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has emerged as a leading challenge in the control of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). The epidemiology of CDI has changed dramatically, this is associated with emergence of 'hypervirulent' strains, particularly PCR ribotype 027. Despite the epidemic spread of these strains, there are recent reports of decreasing incidence from healthcare facilities where multi-facetted targeted control programs have been implemented. We consider these changes in epidemiology and reflect on the tools available to control CDI in the hospital setting. The precise repertoire of measures adopted and emphasis on different interventions will vary, not only between healthcare systems, but also within different institutions within the same healthcare system. Finally, we consider both the sustainability of reductions already achieved, and the potential to reduce CDI further. This takes account of newly emerging data on more recent changes in the epidemiology of CDI, and the potential of novel interventions to decrease the burden of disease.

Current and emergent strategies for disinfection of hospital environments

A significant number of hospital-acquired infections occur due to inefficient disinfection of hospital surfaces, instruments and rooms. The emergence and wide spread of multiresistant forms of several microorganisms has led to a situation where few compounds are able to inhibit or kill the infectious agents. Several strategies to disinfect both clinical equipment and the environment are available, often involving the use of antimicrobial chemicals. More recently, investigations into gas plasma, antimicrobial surfaces and vapour systems have gained interest as promising alternatives to conventional disinfectants. This review provides updated information on the current and emergent disinfection strategies for clinical environments.

Influence of temperature and organic load on chemical disinfection of Geobacillus steareothermophilus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis

This study evaluated the influence of temperature and organic load on the effectiveness of domestic bleach (DB), Surface Decontamination Foam (SDF), and Virkon in inactivating Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, which are a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis spores. The spores were suspended in light or heavy organic preparations and the suspension was applied to stainless steel carrier disks. The dried spore inoculum was covered with the disinfectants and the disks were then incubated at various temperatures. At -20°C, the 3 disinfectants caused less than a 2.0 log10 reduction of spores in both organic preparations during a 24-h test period. At 4°C, the DB caused a 4.4 log10 reduction of spores in light organic preparations within 2 h, which was about 3 log10 higher than what was achieved with SDF or Virkon. In heavy organic preparations, after 24 h at 4°C the SDF had reduced the spore count by 4.5 log10, which was about 2 log10 higher than for DB or Virkon. In general, the disinfectants were most effective at 23°C but a 24-h contact time was required for SDF and Virkon to reduce spore counts in both organic preparations by at least 5.5 log10. Comparable disinfecting activity with DB only occurred with the light organic load. In summary, at temperatures as low as 4°C, DB was the most effective disinfectant, inactivating spores within 2 h on surfaces with a light organic load, whereas SDF produced the greatest reduction of spores within 24 h on surfaces with a heavy organic load.

Decontamination of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores on selected surfaces by chlorine dioxide gas

OBJECTIVE

Chlorine dioxide (CD) gas has been used as a fumigant in the disinfection of biosafety laboratories. In this study, some experiments were conducted to assess the inactivation of spores inoculated on six materials [stainless steel (SS), painted steel (PS), polyvinyl chlorid (PVC), polyurethane (PU), glass (GS), and cotton cloth (CC)] by CD gas. The main aims of the study were to determine the sporicidal efficacy of CD gas and the effect of prehumidification before decontamination on sporicidal efficacy.

METHODS

Material coupons (1.2 cm diameter of SS, PS, and PU; 1.0 cm×1.0 cm for PVC, GS, and CC) were contaminated with 10 μl of Bacillus subtilis var. niger (ATCC 9372) spore suspension in mixed organic burden and then dried in a biosafety cabinet for 12 h. The spores were recovered by soaking the coupons in 5 ml of extraction liquid for 1 h and then vortexing the liquid for 1 min.

RESULTS

The log reductions in spore numbers on inoculated test materials exposed to CD gas [0.080% (volume ratio, v/v) for 3 h] were in the range of from 1.80 to 6.64. Statistically significant differences were found in decontamination efficacies on test material coupons of SS, PS, PU, and CC between with and without a 1-h prehumidification treatment. With the extraction method, there were no statistically significant differences in the recovery ratios between the porous and non-porous materials.

CONCLUSIONS

The results reported from this study could provide information for developing decontamination technology based on CD gas for targeting surface microbial contamination.

Akwaton, polyhexamethylene-guanidine hydrochloride-based sporicidal disinfectant: a novel tool to fight bacterial spores and nosocomial infections

Bacterial spores are of continuing interest to the food and medical industries. In efforts to eliminate bacterial spore contamination, a number of sporicidal agents have been developed. Most of these compounds must be used carefully in very specific circumstances as they are toxic to humans. The sporicidal activity of Akwaton, a polyhexamethylene-guanidine hydrochloride (PHMGH)-based disinfectant, was tested against Bacillus subtilis spores. PHMGH is a colourless, odourless, non-corrosive and non-irritating antimicrobial biocide of the guanidine family. Spores suspended in distilled water and spores placed on solid surfaces (stainless steel and glass) were used to determine the log(10) reduction after exposure to varying concentrations of Akwaton. The minimum sporostatic concentration, the minimum sporicidal concentration and the time required for sporicidal activity corresponded to 0.06% (w/v), 0.08 % (w/v) and 8.5 min, respectively. Disinfectant concentrations of 0.24 % (w/v) and 0.44 % (w/v) killed all spores suspended in distilled water within 3 min and 90 s, respectively. The sporicidal activity against suspended spores was linearly dependent with respect to the concentration of PHMGH and contact time (y(3 min) = 40x-1.6 and y(90 s) = 20x-0.8 thus y(3 min) = 2y(90 s)). Spores placed on surfaces were more resistant to the effect of the disinfectant and the positive linear correlation between the sporicidal activity and concentration was not observed. The concentration required to kill all spores placed on a surface (stainless steel or glass) corresponded to 0.52 % (w/v) for 90 s of contact and 0.36 % (w/v) for 3 min. This study demonstrated that PHMGH is an effective sporicidal disinfectant with great potential for use in hospitals, laboratories, food industries and households.

Efficacy of liquid spray decontaminants for inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores on building and outdoor materials

AIMS

To obtain data on the efficacy of various liquid and foam decontamination technologies to inactivate Bacillus anthracis Ames and Bacillus subtilis spores on building and outdoor materials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Spores were inoculated onto test coupons and positive control coupons of nine different materials. Six different sporicidal liquids were spray-applied to the test coupons and remained in contact for exposure times ranging from 10 to 70 min. Following decontamination, spores were recovered from the coupons and efficacy was quantified in terms of log reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid products were the most effective, followed by decontaminants utilizing hypochlorous acid chemistry. Decontamination efficacy varied by material type.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study results may be useful in the selection of technologies to decontaminate buildings and outdoor areas in the event of contamination with B. anthracis spores. These results may also facilitate selection of decontaminant liquids for the inactivation of other spore-forming infectious disease agents.