Which of the following microorganisms is often used to evaluate hospital disinfectants?

• A. Candida albicans
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• D. Legionella pneumophila

Answer: (B)

Staphylococcus aureus is commonly used to evaluate hospital disinfectants due to its characteristics as a resilient and pathogenic bacterium. This microorganism is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, making it a relevant choice for testing the efficacy of disinfectants. Its ability to form biofilms and its resistance to various antibiotics enhance the significance of using it in such evaluations.

When disinfectants are tested against Staphylococcus aureus, researchers can assess how effective a product is in reducing microbial load in environments where this organism may thrive, such as hospitals. High levels of efficacy against this bacterium indicate that a disinfectant has strong germicidal properties and is likely to be effective against other pathogens as well.

The other microorganisms listed do not serve the same purpose for evaluating hospital disinfectants. While Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen and significant in certain clinical contexts, it does not provide the same broad spectrum testing against bacteria. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea, is less commonly associated with surfaces in healthcare settings that require disinfecting, making it a less practical choice for testing disinfectants. Legionella pneumophila, known for causing Legionnaires' disease, is important in specific water systems but is not as widely