Achromobacter xylosoxidans resistance to antiseptics and disinfectants is far from obvious.

Background: Achromobacter xylosoxidans is described as being resistant to antiseptics and disinfectants. We studied in vitro the ability of five strains to survive and grow in such solutions, with and without starvation.

Methods: Bacterial suspensions in rich media and in distilled water were inoculated into eight antiseptics or disinfectants under conditions of use.

Results: All strains from cultures in distilled water survived in aqueous chlorhexidine and only environmental strains survived in a quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant. Survival did not exceed 30 min and no growth was observed.

Conclusions: This study highlights a relationship between starvation and survival in antiseptics and disinfectants.