Benzalkonium Chloride as a Source of Infection

Abstract

BENZALKONIUM chloride is widely used as a germicide in clinical medicine. When used correctly it is an agent of proved effectiveness, but its misuse can result in severe and even fatal infections.¹ This study records 2 separate incidents at Walter Reed Army Hospital occurring approximately a year apart in which benzalkonium chloride¶ was incriminated as the source of contamination. In the first incident, 11 patients from the gastrointestinal and hematologic wards apparently acquired infections from solutions of benzalkonium chloride that were used for skin disinfection. The second incident occurred in the delivery room, but no known infections were recorded, mainly . . .