Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T08:36:20.993Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Glutaraldehyde: Current Status and Uses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

A.D. Russell
A.D. Russell*
Affiliation:
Welsh School of Pharmacy, University of Wales College of Cardiff, Wales
*
Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF13XF, Wales
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Glutaraldehyde (pentanedial) is a dialdehyde that displays potent bactericidal, fungicidal, mycobactericidal, sporicidal, and virucidal activity. Pertinent to its activity is its interaction with amino groups in proteins and enzymes, but this simplistic statement masks the manner in which it inactivates various types of microorganisms. Notwithstanding its toxicity for medical staff, glutaraldehyde remains an invaluable compound for high-level disinfection purposes in endoscopy units.

Type
Review
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 15 , Issue 11 , November 1994 , pp. 724 - 733
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1994 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Russell, AD, Hopwood, D. The biological uses and importance of glutaraldehyde. In: Ellis, GP West, GB, eds. Progress in Medicinal Chemistry. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: North-Holland Publishing Co; 1976;13:271–301.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2. Gorman, SP, Scott, EM, Russell, AD. Antimicrobial activity, uses and mechanism of action of glutaraldehyde. J Appl Bacteriol 1980;48:161–190.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3. Kawahara, JI, Ohmori, T, Ohkubo, T, Hattori, S, Kawamura, M. The structure of glutaraldehyde in aqueous solution determined by ultraviolet absorption and light scattering. Anal Biochem 1992;201:94–98.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4. Aslam, M, Heap, M, Parkinson, R, Wilson, JV. Accuracy of Cold Sterilog glutaraldehyde monitors in clinical use. Pharm J 1987;239:R9.Google Scholar
5. Power, EGM, Russell, AD. Assessment of “Cold Sterilog Glutaraldehyde Monitor.” J Hosp Infect 1988;11:376–380.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6. Kleier, DJ, Tucker, JE, Averbach, RE. Clinical evaluation of glutaraldehyde nonbiologic monitors. Quintessence Intl 1989;20:271–277.Google ScholarPubMed
7. Millership, JA. A report on an initial comparative study of two methods for the determination of glutaraldehyde. J Clin Pharm Therapy 1987;12;33–38.Google Scholar
8. Favero, MS, Bond, WW. Sterilization, disinfection and antisepsis in the hospital. In: Balows, A, Hausler, WJ Jr, Herrmann, KL, Isenberg, HD, Shadomy, HJ, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Society of Microbiology; 1991:183–200.Google Scholar
9. Favero, MS. Practical application of liquid sterilants in healthcare facilities. In: Morrissey, RF Prokopenko, YI, eds. Sterilization of Medical Products. Vol. V. Morin Heights, Canada: Polyscience Publications Inc; 1991:397–405.Google Scholar
10. Favero, MS, Bond, WW. Chemical disinfection of medical and surgical materials. In: Block, SS. ed. Disinfection. Sterilization and Preservation. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger; 1991;April(3-5):617–641.Google Scholar
11. Favero, MS, Bond, WW. The use of liquid chemical germicides. In: Morrissey, RF, Phillips, GB, eds. Sterilization Technology: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers and Users of Health Care Products. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold; 1993:309–334.Google Scholar
12. Eager, RG, Leder, J, Theis, AB. Glutaraldehyde: factors important for microbiocidal efficacy. Presented at the 3rd Conference on Progress in Chemical Disinfection; 1986; Binghamton, New York.Google Scholar
13. Scott, EM, Gorman, SE Glutaraldehyde. In: Block, SS, ed. Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger; 1991:596–614.Google Scholar
14. Russell, AD. Effects of chemical and physical agents on microbes: disinfection and sterilization. In: Dick, MH, Linton, AH, eds. Topley and Wilson’s Principles of Bacteriology, Virology and Immunity. 8th ed., Vol. 1. London, England: Edward Arnold; 1990:71–103.Google Scholar
15. Ayliffe, GAJ, Collins, BJ. Taylor, LJ. Hospital-Acquired Infection. London. England: lohn Wright: 1990:80–93.Google Scholar
16. Gardner, JF, Peel, MM. Introduction to Sterilization, Disinfection and Infection Control . London, England: Churchill Livingstone; 1991.Google Scholar
17. Russell, AD. Principles of antimicrobial activity. In: Block, SS, ed. Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA Lea & Febiger; 1991:29–58.Google Scholar
18. Hugo, WB, Russell, AD. Types of antimicrobial agents. In: Russell, AD, Hugo, WB, Ayliffe, GAJ, eds. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization . 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific Publications: 1992:7–88.Google Scholar
19. Russell, AD. Theoretical aspects of microbial inactivation. In: Morrissey, FR, Phillips, GB, eds. Sterilization Technology: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers and Users of Health Care Products . New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold; 1993:3–16.Google Scholar
20. Rutala, WA, Cole, EC, Wannamaker, MS, Weber, DJ. Inactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis by 14 hospital disinfectants. Am J Med 1991;91 (suppl B):267S–271S.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
21. Rutala, WA, Gergen, ME Weber, DJ. Inactivation of Clostridium difficile spores by disinfectants. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1993;14:36–40.10.1086/646628CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
22. Isenberg, HD. Clinical laboratory studies of disinfection with Sporicidin. J Clin Microbiol 1985;22:735–739.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
23. Power, EGM, Russell, AD. Sporicidal action of glutaraldehyde: factors influencing activity and a comparison with other aldehydes. J Appl Bacteriol 1990;69:261–268.10.1111/j.1365-2672.1990.tb01517.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
24. Isenberg, HD, Guighano, ER France, K, Alnerstein, I? Evaluation of three disinfectants after in-use stress. J Hosp Infect 1988;11:278–285.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
25. Robinson, RA Bodily, HL, Robinson, DE Christensen, RI? A suspension method to determine reuse life of chemical disinfectants during clinical use. Appl Environ Microbiol 1988;54:158–164.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
26. Rutala, WA Draft guidelines for selection and use of disinfectants. Am J Infect Control 1990;18:99–117.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
27. Best, M, Kennedy, FE, Coates, F. Efficacy of a variety of disinfectants against Listeria spp. Appl Environ Microbiol 1990;56:377–380.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
28. Collins, FM. Mycobacterial disease, immunosuppression and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Clin Microbiol Rev 1989;2:360–377.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
29. Draper, F! Wall biosynthesis: a possible site of action for new antimycobacterial drugs. Intl J Leprosy 1988;52:527–532.Google Scholar
30. Russell, AD. Mycobactericidal agents. In: Russell, AD, Hugo, WB, Ayliffe, GAJ, eds. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization. 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:246–253.Google Scholar
31. David, HL, Rastogi, N, Seres, CL, Clement, F. Alterations in the outer cell wall architecture caused by the inhibition of mycocide C biosynthesis in Mycobacterium avium . Curr Microbiol 1988;17:61–68.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
32. Sareen, M. Khuller, GK. Cell wall composition of ethambutol susceptible and resistant strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 607 . Lett Appl Microbiol 1990:11:7–10.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
33. Collins, FM. Kinetics of the tuberculocidal response by alkaline glutaraldehyde in solution and on an inert surface. J Appl Bacteriol 1986;61:87–93.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
34. Collins, FM. Bactericidal activity of alkaline glutaraldehyde solution against a number of atypical mycobacterial species. J Appl Bacteriol 1986;61:247–251.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
35. Ascenzi, JM, Ezzell, RJ, Wendt, TM. Evaluation of carriers used in the test methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Appl Environ Microbiol 1986;51:91–94.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
36. Collins, J. The use of glutaraldehyde in laboratory discard jars. Lett Appl Microbiol 1986;2:103–105.10.1111/j.1472-765X.1986.tb01526.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
37. Hardie, ID. Mycobactericidal efficacy of glutaraldehyde based biocides. J Hosp Infect 1986;6:436–438.10.1016/0195-6701(85)90064-7CrossRefGoogle Scholar
38. Collins, FM. Use of membrane filters for measurement of mycobactericidal activity of alkaline glutaraldehyde solution. Appl Environ Microbiol 1987;53:737–739.10.1128/aem.53.4.737-739.1987CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
39. Ascenzi, JM, Ezzell, RJ, Wendt, TM. A more accurate method for measurement of tuberculocidal activity of disinfectants. Appl Environ Microbiol 1987;53:2189–2192.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
40. Van Klingeren, B, Pullen, W. Comparative testing of disinfectants against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium terrae in a quantitative suspension test. J Hosp Infect 1987; 10:292–298.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
41. Cole, EC, Rutala, WA, Nessen, L, Wannamaker, NS, Weber, DJ. Effect of methodology, dilution and exposure time on the tuberculocidal activity of glutaraldehyde-based disinfectants. Appl Environ Microbiol 1990;56:1813–1817.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
42. Best, M, Salter, SA, Springthorpe, VS, Kennedy, ME. Efficacies of selected disinfectants against Mycobacterium tuberculosis . J Clin Microbiol 1990;28:2234–2239.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
43. Ascenzi, TM. Standardization of tuberculocidal testing, of disinfectants. J Hosp Infect 1991;18 (suppl A) :256–263.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
44. Best, M, Salter, SA, Springthorpe, VS, Kennedy, ME. Comparative mycobactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants in susnension and carrier tests. Appl Environ Microbiol 1988:54:2856–2858.10.1128/aem.54.11.2856-2858.1988CrossRefGoogle Scholar
45. Broadley, SJ, Jenkins, PA, Furr, JR, Russell, AD. Antimycobacterial activity of biocides. Lett Appl Microbiol 1991;13:118–122.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
46. Hanson, PJV. Mycobacteria and AIDS. By J Hosp Med 1988;40:149.Google ScholarPubMed
47. Hanson, PJV, Chadwick, M, Nicholson, G, Gaya, H, Collins, JV. Mycobacterial resistance to disinfection in AIDS: whither infection control policies now? Thorax 1988:43:850P.Google Scholar
48. Russell, AD. Bacterial spores and chemical sporicidal agents. Clin Microbiol Rev 1990;3:99–119.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
49. Russell, AD. Dancer, BN. Power, EGM. Effects of chemical agents on bacterial sporulation, germination and outgrowth. In: Denyer, SP, Hugo, WB, eds. Mechanisms of Action of Chemical Biocides. Oxford, England: Society for Applied Technical Series No. 27, Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1991:23–44.Google Scholar
50. Bloomfield, SE Resistance of bacterial spores to chemical agents. In: Russell, AD, Hugo, WB, Ayliie, GAJ, eds. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization. 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:230–245.Google Scholar
51. Power, EGM. Russell, AD. Glutaraldehvde: its uptake by snoring and non-spo’ring bacteria, rubber, plastic and an endoscope. J Appl Bacteriol 1989;67:329–342.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
52. Dyas, A, Das, BC. The activity of glutaraldehyde against Clostridium difficile . J Hosp Infect 1985;6:41–45.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
53. Springthorpe, VS, Sattar, SA. Chemical disinfection of virus-contaminated surfaces. Crit Rev Environ Control 1990;20:169–229.10.1080/10643389009388396CrossRefGoogle Scholar
54. Quinn, PJ. Virucidal activity of disinfectants. In: Russell, AD, Hugo, WB, Ayliffe, GAJ, eds. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization. 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:150–170.Google Scholar
55. Spire, B, Barre-Sinoussi, F Montagnier, L, Chermann, JC. Inactivation of lymphadenopathy associated virus by chemical disinfectants. Lancet 1984;1:899–901.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
56. Resnick, L, Veren, K, Salahuddin, SZ, Tondreau, S, Markham, PD. Stability and inactivation of HTLV-III/LAV under clinical and laboratory environments. JAMA 1986;255:1887–1891.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
57. Hanson, PJV, Gor, D, Jeffries, DJ, Collins, JV. Chemical inactivation of HIV on surfaces. Br Med J 1989;298:862–864.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
58. Report: acquired immune deficiency syndrome: recommendations of a working party of the Hospital Infection Society. J Hosp Infect 1990;15:7–34.10.1016/0195-6701(90)90019-KCrossRefGoogle Scholar
59. Bond, WW, Favero, MS, Peterson, NJ, Ebert, JW. Inactivation of hepatitis B virus by intermediate-to-high level disinfectant chemicals. J Clin Microbiol 1983;18:533–538.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
60. Kobayashi, H, Tsuzuki, M. The effect of disinfectants and heat on hepatitis B virus . J Hosp Infect 1984;5(suppl A):93–94.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
61. Adler-Storthz, K. Schultster, LM. Dreesman, GR Hollineer, FB. Melnick, JL. Effect of alkaline glutaraldehyde ‘on hepatitis B virus antigens. Eur J Clin Microbiol 1983;2:316–320.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
62. Passagot, J. Crance, TM. Biziagros, E, Laveran, H. Agbalika, F. Deloince, R. Effect of glutaraldehyde on the antigenicity and infectivity of hepatitis A virus. J Virol Meth 1987;16:21–28.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
63. Tyler, R, Ayliffe, GAJ. A surface test for virucidal activity: a preliminary study with herpes virus.] Hosp Infect 1987;19:22–29.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
64. Tyler, R, Ayliffe, GAJ, Bradley, CR. Virucidal activity of disinfectants: studies with the poliovirus. J Hosp Infect 1990;15:339–345.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
65. Baillv, J-L. Chambon, M. Peigue-Lafeuille, H. Laveran, H. de Champs, C, Beytout, D, Activity of glutaraldehyde at ‘low concentrations (<2%) against poliovirus and its relevance to gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection procedures. Appl Environ Microbiol 1991;57:1156–1160.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
66. Chambon, M, Bailly, J-L, Peigue-Lafeuille, H. Activity of glutaraldehyde at low concentrations against capsid proteins of poliovirus type 1 and echovirus type 25. Appl Environ Microbiol 1992;58:3517–3521.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
67. Sattar, SA Springthorpe, VS, Karim, Y, Loro, P. Chemical disinfection of non-porous inanimate surfaces experimentally contaminated with four human pathogenic viruses . Epidemiol Infect 1989;102:493–505.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
68. Springthorpe, VS, Grenier, JL, Lloyd-Evans, N, Sattar, SA Chemical disinfection of human rotaviruses: efficacy of commercially-available products in suspension tests. J Hyg Camb 1986;97:139–161.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
69. Lloyd-Evans, N, Springthorpe, VS, Sattar, SA Chemical disinfection of human rotavirus-contaminated inanimate surfaces./ Hyg Camb 1986;97:163–173.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
70. Rodgers, FG, Hufton, P, Kurzawska, E, Molloy, C, Morgan, S. Morphological response of human rotavirus to ultraviolet radiation, heat and disinfectants. J Med Microbiol 1985;20:123–130.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
71. Taylor, DM. Inactivation of unconventional agents of the transmissible degenerative encephalopathies. In: Russell, AD, Hugo, WB, Ayliffe, GAJ, eds. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization. 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:171–179.Google Scholar
72. Bruch, CW. Role of glutaraldehyde and other liquid chemical sterilants in the processing of new medical devices. In: Morris sey, RF, Prokopenko, YI, eds. Sterilization of Medical Products. Vol. V. Morin Heights, Canada: Polyscience Publications Inc; 1991:377–396.Google Scholar
73. Power, EGM, Russell, AD. Glutaraldehyde: new aspects. Lett Appl Microbiol 1991;11:231–232.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
74. Davis, D, Bonekat, HW, Andrews, D, Shigeoka, JW. Disinfection of the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mgordonae. Thorax 1984;39:785–788.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
75. Ridgway, GL. Decontamination of Ebreoptic endoscopes. J Hosp Infect 1985;6:363–368.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
76. Felingham, D, Mowles, J, Thomas, K, Ridgway, GL. Disinfection of gastrointestinal fiberscopes: an evaluation of the Pauldrach Endocleaner and various chemical agents. J Hosp Infect 1985;6:379–388.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
77. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Infection control during gastrointestinal endoscopy: guidelines for clinical application. Gastrointest Endoscopy 1988;34:375–405.10.1016/S0016-5107(88)71397-8CrossRefGoogle Scholar
78. British Society of Gastroenterology. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment for gastrointestinal flexible endoscopy: interim recommendations of a working party. Gut 1988;29:1134–1151.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
79. George, RH. The prevention and control of mycobacterial infections in hospitals. J Hosp Infect 1988;11 (suppl A)386–392.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
80. Collignon, P, Graham, E. How well are endoscopes disinfected between patients? Med J Austr 1989;151:269–272.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
81. Frank, U, Daschner, F. Disinfection in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy 1989;21:276–278.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
82. Hanson, PJV, Gor, D, Clarke, JR, et al Contamination of endoscopes used in patients with AIDS. Lancet 1989;2:86–88.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
83. Hanson, PJV, Collins, JV. AIDS, aprons and elbow grease: preventing the nosocomial spread of HIV and related organisms Thorax 1989;44:778–783.Google Scholar
84. Loffer, FD. Disinfection vs. sterilization of gynecologic laparo-scopy equipment. The experience of the Phoenix Surgicenter. J Reprod Med 1990;25:263–266.Google Scholar
85. Axon, ATR. Disinfection of endoscopic equipment. Bailliere’s Clin Gastroenterol 1991;5:61–77.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
86. Babb, JR, Bradley, CR. Decontamination of flexible fibreoptic endoscopes. Gastroenterology Today 1991;1:25–27.Google Scholar
87. Babb, JR, Bradley, CR. The mechanics of endoscope disinfection. J Hosp Infect 1991;18(suppl A):130–135.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
88. Cowen, AE. Disinfection and endoscopy: the clinical risks of infection. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1991;6:25–30.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
89. Gorse, GJ, Messner, RL. Infection control practices in gastrointestinal endoscopy in the United States: a national survey. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1991;12:289–296.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
90. Rutala, WA, Clontz, EP, Weber, DJ, Hoffman, KK. Disinfection practices for endoscopes and other semi-critical items. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1991;12:282–288.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
91. Ayliffe, GAJ, Babb, JR, Bradley, CR. “Sterilization” of arthroscopes and laparoscopes. J Hosp Infect 1992;22:265–269.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
92. Ayliffe, GAJ, Collins, BJ. Problems of disinfection in hospitals. In: Russell, AD, Hugo, WB, Ayliffe, GAJ, eds. Principles and Practice of Disinfection, Preservation and Sterilization. 2nd ed. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:292–309.Google Scholar
93. Hanson, PJV, Chadwick, MV, Gaya, H, Collins, JV. A study of glutaraldehyde disinfection of fibreoptic bronchoscopes experimentally contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis . J Hosp Infect 1992;22:137–142.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
94. Noone, M, Mayes, RW. Sterilization of endoscopes. J Hosp Infect 1993;24:80.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
95. Osterberg, B. Residual glutaraldehyde in plastics and rubber after exposure to alkalinized glutaraldehyde solution and its importance on blood cell toxicity. Arch Pharm Chem Sci Ed 1978;6:241–248.Google Scholar
96. Bardazzi, F, Melino, M, Alagna, G, Veronesi, S. Glutaraldehyde dermatitis in nurses. Contact Derm 1986;14:319–320.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
97. Norback, D. Skin and respiratory symptoms from exposure to alkaline glutaraldehyde in medical services. Scand J Work Environ Health 1988;14:366–371.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
98. Burge, PS. Occupational risks of glutaraldehvde. Br Med I 1989;299:342.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
99. Jachuck, SJ, Bound, CL, Steel, J, Blain, PJ. Occupational hazard in hospital staff exposed to 2% glutaraldehyde in an endoscopy unit. J Soc Occup Med 1989;39:69–71.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
100. Anonymous. Hospital stops glutaraldehyde use because of staff safety concern. Pharm J 1991;247:269.Google Scholar