Efficacy of Different Cleaning and Disinfection Methods against Clostridium difficile Spores: Importance of Physical Removal versus Sporicidal Inactivation

Abstract

We tested the effectiveness of disinfectants and wipe methods against Clostridium difficile spores. Wiping with nonsporicidal agents (physical removal) was effective in removing more than 2.9 log10C. difficile spores. Wiping with sporicidal agents eliminated more than 3.90 log10C. difficile spores (physical removal and/or inactivation). Spraying with a sporicide eliminated more than 3.44 log10C. difficile spores but would not remove debris.