Testing Strategies and Recommendations for Evaluating Antimicrobial Performance on Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces Against Biofilm-Forming Bacteria
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently updated two test methods (MB-19 and MB-20) for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial pesticides, specifically against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus on hard, non-porous surfaces. These updates, released on August 1, 2017, focus on the efficacy evaluation protocols for chemical disinfectants used in industrial, institutional, and residential settings.
The revised standardized test methods aim to ensure reproducibility and relevance to real-world conditions, addressing the sensitivity and challenges in simulating surface conditions where these bacteria commonly persist. The EPA has also integrated response to public comments, addressing concerns and clarifications about test procedures, data interpretation, and compliance criteria.
These test methods are designed to test the effectiveness against two biofilm bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. It is important to note that bacterial biofilms, which excrete a slimy, glue-like substance called the biofilm matrix, can interfere with the action of chemical disinfectants. The biofilm matrix embeds bacteria with protection from dehydration and other environmental stresses, often found in healthcare settings on surfaces like glass, metals, and plastics.
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the registrant of an antimicrobial product with a public health claim is required to submit efficacy data to the EPA in support of the product's registration. The EPA is currently working with ASTM International, a standard-setting organization, on the adoption of these test methods as official ASTM standards.
The EPA's response to comments and other associated documents can be found in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0357 at www.regulations.gov. Here, you can access the original proposed test methods and guidance documents, public comments received, EPA's detailed response to comments, and finalized test method protocols and regulatory guidance. This docket provides transparency and regulatory clarity for antimicrobial manufacturers and testing labs regarding the performance standards required for disinfectants claiming control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus on hard surfaces.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined in the updates to the test methods MB-19 and MB-20, as these procedures aim to evaluate the efficiency of pesticides, specifically antimicrobial pesticides against medical-conditions like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These updates offer guidance for chemical disinfectants used in various settings, aiming to support public health by ensuring the disinfectants' effectiveness under real-world conditions.
