Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) Determination of Disinfectants in the Pharmaceutical Industry against Pathogens

Using disinfectants that inactivate microorganisms in various industries, from the pharmaceutical to the food service industry, has been increasing over the last few years. Antimicrobial disinfectants are used as primary treatment options against pathogens on surfaces in healthcare facilities to help prevent healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study was to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the disinfectants used and study the corrosion of surfaces in contact with these disinfectants.

In this study, MICs and MBCs of the disinfectants against B. cereus, S. cerevisiae, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis were measured by the microdilution method. Ethanol, percidine, benzalkonium chloride, and deconex 50ff were examined for antimicrobial effects.

The findings showed that S. cerevisiae had the lowest level of disinfectant resistance, whereas B. cereus consistently exhibited higher resistance. Additionally, when compared to other disinfectants at lower concentrations, deconex 50ff was the most potent disinfectant that resulted in microbial growth suppression. Deconex 50 FF had MICs of 0.101, 12.939, 3.235, and 1.617mg/L for S. cerevisiae, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis, respectively. In contrast, MBC of S. cerevisiae, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis were 0.404, 25.879, 12.939, and 6.470 mg/L, respectively. Macroscopic analysis of stainless steel and plastic sandwiches treated with the specified disinfectant concentrations revealed no corrosion.

Considering the importance of these microbial strains in healthcare-associated infections, using these effective disinfectants is recommended in the pharmaceutical industry.