An assessment of various disinfectants using the Kirby-Bauer Method with disc diffusion to determine their effectiveness against locally isolated pathogens

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various disinfectants against locally isolated pathogens using the Kirby-Bauer Method with disc diffusion. Indigenous strains of Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli, Campylobacter, Citrobacter freundii, and Staphylococcus aureus were obtained from the bacterial depository bank and sub-cultured on their respective selective media. A 0.5 McFarland Turbidity Standard was prepared, and eight commercially available disinfectants were tested for efficacy. The results of this study will inform the selection of appropriate disinfectants for use in preventing the spread of disease in various settings, including home sanitation, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing processes. The disinfectants used in this study produced different results against the targeted pathogens. Hydrogen peroxide and Formalin produced larger zones of inhibition, while Povidone Iodine and Hydrochloric acid produced intermediate zones. Ethanol, Methanol, and Dettol produced smaller .zones of inhibition. Benzalkonium Chloride was effective only against S. aureus, while all other indigenous isolates resisted it. Keywords: Disinfectants, Sal. typhimurium, E.coli, Campylobacter, Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus auerus, Antibiotic sensitivity test