Antimicrobial Efficacy of Citrofresh - A Newer Organic Disinfectant

Background Disinfectants are an important part of infection control programs and are widely used in hospitals, households, markets, and other places for a variety of topical and surface applications. A widespread, indiscriminate use of contemporary antiseptic and disinfectant products has given rise to the development of microbial resistance and also cross-resistance to antibiotics. Recently disinfectant products derived from plant sources have become popular. Citrofresh is an herbal, eco-friendly disinfectant effective against bacteria, virus, fungus and spores with a long lasting residual effect. Methods To determine the efficacy of Citrofresh, different concentrations of Citrofresh were tested for antibacterial, sporicidal, antiviral and antifungal activity by using Kelsey Maurer capacity test, Kelsey Sykes capacity test, retro screen virology test, viral load reduction tests, pre-fumigation and post-fumigation agar culture plates test, minimal bactericidal concentration test, minimal inhibitory concentration test, potable water test, and direct skin contact by using Citrofresh wipes. Result As per Kelsey Sykes and Kelsey Maurer capacity tests, Citrofresh exhibited bactericidal activity at concentrations between 2 %-8 % for an exposure duration of 8-18 minutes against several bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella cholerasius, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF). The sporicidal activity was observed at 20 %. Citrofresh Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) testing record sheet showed no growth of Staphylococcus pneumoniae, It was effective on Corynebacterium species, Serratia marcescens, Morganella morganii, Enterobacter aerogenes at higher concentrations (100 %, 50 %, 25 %). The growth of fungus such as Chrysosporium species, Rhizopus, Penicillium species was inhibited at concentrations of 6.25 %-100 %. Retroscreen virology studies have shown that Human influenza A virus and Human rhino virus exhibited the most significant viral load reduction at 1-2 % concentration. Citrofresh Superconcentrate and 75 % Ethyl Alcohol impregnated Baby Wipes inhibited viable aerobic bacteria from the skin surface. Conclusion The above test results show that Citrofresh has a significant disinfectant activity on par with chemical disinfectant with an added advantage of being a certified natural, organic product.