The Bactericidal Properties of Certain Cationic Detergents

Abstract

Using the F.D.A. method of testing germicides, the bactericidal propertiesof two cationic detergents, "Cetavlon" and "Fixanol C," were tested againstten organisms at seven pH levels betwee::l 5.2 and 8.2. The results for thetwo detergents were similar. Gram-positive organisms were more susceptiblethan Gram-negative. There was considerable variation in the'relationship betweensusceptibility and pH. Staph. aureus, Staph. albus, Strep. faecalis, andProteus vulgaris were all most suceptible under slightly alkaline conditions;whereas Ps. fluorescens, Ps. pyocyanea, Achromobacter Uquefaciens, and Bacteriumcoli were most susceptible under slightly acid conditions. The susceptibilityof Corynebacterium equi was unaffected by pH within the rangestudied.