Abstract
Due to the growing numbers of infection outbreaks in hospitals, it is essential to set up an effective sanitation program. The kinetic parameter of killing time (D-value) was experimentally determined to study the effectiveness of some chemical agents used in hospitals. A total of 115 Air-borne bacteria were isolated from 12 wards of a hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. They were tested for their resistance to different antibiotics and commercial disinfecting agents. Three isolates were selected, identified and their D-values were determined against seven chemical agents (hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, betadine, phenik, iodine, dettol, and savlon). The bacterial strains were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis representing the Gram positive,Gram negative and spore former, respectively. The results revealed that P. aeruginosawas the most sensitive organism where B. subtilis and S. aureus showed approximately same resistance pattern. The data of this study reflect the importance of selecting the appropriate chemical agent to be used for killing specific microorganisms in appropriate time. In conclusion, successful disinfection depends upon the selection of the correct chemical agent associated with a proper disinfecting procedure. Key words: Chemical agents, disinfection, D-value, hospitals, air borne bacteria.
Highlights
Antiseptics and disinfectants are freely available without prescription, and are widely used on a daily basis in homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants, farms, abattoirs, other work places and in health care products (Randall et al, 2004), as part of infection control practices and in the prevention of nosocomial infections.Infections caused by resistant pathogens result in significant morbidity and mortality, and contribute to escalating healthcare costs worldwide
The results revealed that P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive organism where B. subtilis and S. aureus showed approximately same resistance pattern
It is important to mention that the environmental impact of successive usage of detergents in hospitals led to the pollution of water bodies (Wyasu and Kure, 2012), it is essential to calculate the effective concentration for less environmental impacts
Summary
Antiseptics and disinfectants are freely available without prescription, and are widely used on a daily basis in homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants, farms, abattoirs, other work places and in health care products (Randall et al, 2004), as part of infection control practices and in the prevention of nosocomial infections.Infections caused by resistant pathogens result in significant morbidity and mortality, and contribute to escalating healthcare costs worldwide. Concern is growing worldwide over uncontrolled use of antiseptics and disinfectants as a result of laboratory data showing a possible link between exposure to these agents and antibiotic resistance (Berlanga and Vinas, 2000; Randall et al, 2004; Russell, 2000). This may be because antiseptics and disinfectants usually have a broad spectrum of activity, multiple nonspecific modes of action and usually multiple targets (Moellering et al, 2007).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
