Antimicrobial composition having efficacy against endospores

Abstract

A sporicidal composition has a moderately low pH and includes a glycosidase and the dissocia-tion product of at least one inorganic oxidizing agent. High effective solute concentrations can enhance the efficacy of the composition. The composition can be applied to a surface and allowed to absorb into an endospore, ultimately killing at least some of those bacteria in mature endospore form. Surfaces to be treated include inanimate (hard) surfaces via cleaning and medical devices such as endoscopes, typically via immersion.

Description

[0001] Related Application Cross Reference

[0002] This international application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 202,644 and 62 / 212,552, filed August 7, 2015, and August 31, 2015, respectively, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background technique

[0003] Unlike true spores, endospores are not the offspring of another organism. However, the terms "spore" and "endospore" are used interchangeably throughout this document.

[0004] Vegetative bacteria are bacteria that can grow, feed and reproduce. When nutrients become scarce, certain vegetative bacteria begin a process called "spore formation," in which they adopt a reduced, dormant form that allows them to survive without nutrients and gives them resistance to ultraviolet radiation , dryness, elevated temperatures, extreme cold and resistance to chemical disinfectants. Shortly after environmental conditions return to favor vegetative growth, the bacteria are...

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