Possible use of silver ion solution as a disinfectant in hemodialysis

Abstract

Silver is used in various fields because of its high safety and broad antimicrobial spectrum. Here, the bactericidal activities of silver ion (Ag⁺) solution were compared to those of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in order to determine its usefulness as a disinfectant in hemodialysis. The minimum killing concentration (MKC) of each disinfectant was measured using the bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. With bacteria isolated from product water manufacturing processes (tap water, activated carbon filter treatment water, and RO water) and the dialysis fluid line (B tank and dialysis fluid), antibacterial tests were conducted using each disinfectant. In terms of MKC, while Ag⁺ solution was not as fast acting as NaClO, comparable bactericidal activities were observed over time. In particular, Ag⁺ solution appears to be more effective than NaClO in disinfecting chlorine-resistant water-borne bacteria inside the product water manufacturing line. In addition, Ag⁺ solution killed not only Gram-negative bacteria, but also Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, Ag⁺ solution may be used as a disinfectant in hemodialysis and it appears to be as useful as NaClO.