AOAC 955.17

Fungicidal Activity of Disinfectants

Summary and Test Overview 

The AOAC 955.17 Fungicidal Activity of Disinfectants test measures the potential of the test substance to disinfect hard surfaces that are contaminated with a fungus. In this test, the test substance is prepared and placed in sterile test tubes that are then allowed to adjust to testing temperature (20±1°C) in a water bath. An aliquot of fungi spore suspension (approximately 5 x 10⁶ conidia/mL) is added to a tube containing test substance and is mixed thoroughly. After the completion of the contact time, an aliquot of the test substance and spore suspension mixture is removed and transferred to tubes containing neutralizing growth media (this is the primary subculture tube). The tube is then mixed and a transfer from the primary subculture tube is made into a secondary tube with neutralizing growth media (this is the secondary subculture tube) and mixed. The tubes incubate for approximately 10 days. After incubation, the tubes are assessed and examined for evidence of growth. 

The typical test organism for this test is Trichophyton interdigitale (formerly Trichophyton mentagrophytes) however, other fungi organisms can be used to support the study sponsor’s needs.