Efficacy of Some Antiseptics and Disinfectants on Clinical Isolates from Healthcare Facilities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The continued increase of multi-drug and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has led to an increased effort to enhance cleaning and disinfection procedures in healthcare facilities. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of antiseptics and disinfectants on clinical isolates from healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt. Methodology: Five brands of antiseptics and disinfectants: Dettol, Savlon, Hypo, Betadine, and Izal commonly used in healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt were tested against thirty-two (32) confirmed isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Candida albicans using agar disc diffusion and contact kill time methods. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Software Version 9.0 (San Diego, California, USA). Results: All isolates exhibited reduced sensitivity (0 ± 0.00) to antiseptics and disinfectants at 1 litre, 5 litres and 10 litres dilutions respectively. Dettol [Staphylococcus aureus (10 ± 0.00), Candida albicans (9 ± 0.00), Escherichia coli (8 ± 1.00) and Klebsiella species (8 ± 2.00)] and Savlon [Staphylococcus aureus (11 ± 3.00), Klebsiella species (10 ± 1.00), Candida albicans (9 ± 0.00) and Escherichia coli (6 ± 0.00)] showed inhibitory effect against all isolates, hypochlorite demonstrated moderate inhibitory effect while betadine and izal had the least inhibitory effect. Contact kill time (minutes) of antiseptics and disinfectants on isolates using manufacturers’ dilution ranged from 10-20 minutes. Conclusion: In conclusion, this research confirms the different antiseptics and disinfectants were not effective at the commonly used dilutions but showed improved antimicrobial efficacy when applied above manufacturers’ recommended dilutions (1:10) which implies higher concentrations than manufacturers’ recommendations improved efficacy. However, the practical application of these higher concentrations must be carefully weighed against the risk of safety and toxicity to individuals and environment. In addition, a prolonged contact time of antiseptics and disinfectants on microorganisms is essential for effective microbial control.