Chlorine Dioxide Inactivation of Bacillus and Clostridium Spores

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bacillus cereus T and F4810/72, B. stearothermophilus ATCC 1518, and Clostridium perfringens NCTC 8798 spore inactivation by 20, 50, and 80 mg chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 )/L at three pH values (4.5, 6.5, 8.5) were evaluated. ClO 2 concentration, species and sporulation medium significantly (p < 0.001) affect spore sensitivity. B. cereus T sporulated in Modified G medium and B. stearothermophilus ATCC 1518 are similarly ClO 2 sensitive, and each is significantly more sensitive than Fortified Nutrient Agar‐sporulated B. cereus T and F4810/72. The Bacillus spore populations are more ClO 2 sensitive than C. perfringens spore populations. Treatment pH affects C. perfringens but not Bacillus inactivation. Spores lacking intact coats are significantly more ClO 2 sensitive than the strains with coats intact.