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Comparative efficacy evaluation of disinfectants routinely used in hospital practice: India

Malkit Singh1, Rahul Sharma, Pramod K Gupta

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India.

Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine : Peer-Reviewed, Official Publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine
|November 29, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Newer disinfectants like DesNet and Bacillocid special show superior efficacy in reducing microbial contamination on hospital surfaces and waste. Phenolic disinfectants were less effective compared to newer formulations.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Hygiene

Background:

  • Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat.
  • Effective disinfection of surfaces and medical waste is crucial for infection control.
  • Limited data exists on the practical efficacy of locally available disinfectants in hospital settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare the disinfection efficacy of locally available disinfectants.
  • To assess performance on both rough and smooth surfaces.
  • To determine the effectiveness against various hospital-acquired pathogens and simulated infectious waste.

Main Methods:

  • Seven disinfectants were tested at manufacturer-recommended concentrations.
  • Experimental surface contamination with multidrug-resistant bacteria (MRSA, *Acinetobacter baumannii*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, *Enterobacter aerogenes*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*), *Salmonella typhi*, and *Candida albicans*.
  • In-use testing in discard jars to simulate infectious waste disinfection.

Main Results:

  • DesNet and Bacillocid special demonstrated the highest log reduction on rough surfaces.
  • Lysol, Bacillocid sp., and DesNet showed comparable efficacy on smooth steel surfaces.
  • Bacillocid special and DesNet maintained efficacy in discard jars for 4 and 3 days, respectively, outperforming others.

Conclusions:

  • Newer quaternary ammonium compounds and aldehyde formulations are superior disinfectants for heavily contaminated hospital surfaces and waste.
  • Phenolic disinfectants may be less effective than newer formulations for surface disinfection.
Keywords:
Disinfectantevaluationhospital practice

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