The Sporicidin® brand of disinfectant products (solution and presaturated wipes) have been utilized by hospitals, medical offices, veterinary clinics, and mold restoration professionals for over 40 years. Created by the inventor of Chloraseptic® Sore Throat Spray, the Sporicidin® formulations contain phenol-based active ingredients to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, noticeably absent from this list of target microbes are bacterial spores.
Some types of bacteria can morph into spores. When conditions become too harsh for the bacteria to survive, one bacterial cell (the “vegetative” form) can turn into one bacterial spore. The spore is like Nature’s “Gobstopper”, with many layers of proteins encapsulating the DNA of the bacterium. These types of spores can survive for months, years, or even longer until they sense environmental conditions that are suitable for germination and growth. The spores themselves are very resistant to conditions or chemicals that would harm or kill the vegetative form of the bacteria. Specialized disinfectants called “sporicides” are required to disinfect bacterial spores.
Many types of fungi (mold) can also produce spores. But fungal spores are a form of microbial reproduction, not survival, and are easier to disinfect than bacterial spores. Chemical agents called “fungicides” or “mildewcides” are appropriate for controlling these types of microorganisms that can cause musty odors, deterioration of building materials, respiratory reactions, and even some infections.
Sporicidal disinfectant claims in the USA are regulated by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA). The US-EPA requires rigorous testing to verify that a product can destroy bacterial endospores such as Clostridioides difficile spores within 10 minutes of applying it to hard, non-porous surfaces. Sporicidin is registered as a hospital-grade disinfectant and cleaner, including claims as a bactericide, virucide and fungicide, but it does not carry an EPA-approved claim as a sporicide. The Sporicidin® brand name originated from the strong antifungal (including fungal spores) efficacy of the product.
Pharmacy cleanrooms that adhere to the new revision of USP <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding – Sterile Preparations must utilize an EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant at least once a month. Sporicidin remains a strong choice for many applications. While the brand name implies that it is suitable for disinfecting bacterial spores, it does not meet the requirements for a sporicidal disinfectant. Products like PeridoxRTU, which are specifically labeled and tested for sporicidal activity (eg., spores of Clostridioides difficile), must be used.