Is a reduction in viability enough to determine biofilm susceptibility to a biocide?

Objective: The abundance and prevalence of dry-surface biofilms (DSBs) in hospitals constitute an emerging problem, yet studies rarely report the cleaning and disinfection efficacy against DSBs. Here, the combined impact of treatments on viability, transferability, and recovery of bacteria from DSBs has been investigated for the first time.

Methods: Staphylococcus aureus DSBs were produced in alternating 48-hour wet-dry cycles for 12 days on AISI 430 stainless steel discs.