Quaternary ammonium compounds bacterial resistance

In order to prevent the development of tolerances or resistances of the pathogens to the disinfectants, a regular change of the disinfectants is highly desirable. The aetive ingredients of surface disinfeetants are aldehydes (II, 2.), quaternary ammonium compounds (II, 18.1.), and phenolics (II, 7.). Alcohols can only be used for the disinfection of small areas due to the risk of explosions. The bacterial spores ought to be destroyed by peroxygen compounds, such as the peracetic add (El, 21.1.). 

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