Biocidal Effect of Hypochlorous Acid Solution, Neolox against Pathogenic Microorganisms

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Disinfection/sterilization of hospital devices prevents the occurrence of several infections; therefore, disinfectants are essential for public health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocidal effect of a hypochlorous acid solution. METHODS: Hypochlorous acid solution, Neolox (Neo Chemical, Paju, Korea) obtained from Purester (Morinaga Engineering, Tokyo, Japan) was used. Antimicrobial activity of the solution against bacteria, yeasts, and mycobacteria at different exposure times (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes) was evaluated. RESULTS: All strains of bacteria and yeasts showed a 5-log10 reduction within 30 seconds of exposure to the solution, and mycobacteria showed the same reduction within 2 minutes. CONCLUSION: Hypochlorous acid solution has been widely used as a disinfectant in recent years. Neolox can be used as an effective intermediate- to high-level disinfectant for hospital infection control.