Comparative Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cetrimide, Dettol, and Lizol Against Six Different Microbial Species on Epoxy-Coated Pharmaceutical Surfaces Using Surface Challenge Method

Introduction: Disinfectants are vital in the pharmaceutical industry's sanitization process and contamination control programs. However, many pharmaceutical companies lack systematic policies for selecting appropriate disinfectants, often relying solely on manufacturer claims, which may not always be reliable. The complexity of existing disinfectant testing methods further complicates proper evaluation, highlighting the need for practical, efficient approaches. Methods: This study used a simple surface challenge method to mimic real-world pharmaceutical conditions to test disinfectant efficacy. Three disinfectants, 1% Cetrimide, 2.5% Dettol, and 2% Lizol, were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The test organisms included E. coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25619, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and an environmental isolate (Bacillus spp.). All testing was conducted on epoxy-coated floors within pharmaceutical industry premises. Results: All three disinfectants demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. After a 20-minute contact time, each disinfectant achieved a ≥6-log reduction in test organisms. The comparative evaluation indicated that 1% Cetrimide exhibited superior antimicrobial effectiveness compared to 2.5% Dettol and 2% Lizol. Conclusions: The surface challenge method offers a practical approach for assessing disinfectant efficacy under pharmaceutical conditions. Among the disinfectants tested, 1% Cetrimide provided the most effective microbial reduction, suggesting its suitability for contamination control in pharmaceutical environments.