ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out on the antibacterial activities of two selected medicated soaps (Tetmosol and Dettol) and two selected locally-produced black soaps (Zee and Royal) against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wounds using disc diffusion method. The study included the use of a bacterial species isolated from wounds with the aid of a swab stick. The bacterial species was duly identified. The determination of minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal activity of the bacterial species was performed by tube and plate methods respectively. Thirteen individuals with wound were sampled, and out of the thirteen (13) individuals sampled, 6(46%) were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, 2 (15%)Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 3 (21%) Staphylococcus epidermis (21%), and 2 (15%) Escherichacoli. The study revealed that Staphylococcus aureus isolated were most susceptible to Tetmosol soaps at the concentration of 10-1 with the highest and the lowest zone of inhibition as 19.66±1.52b and 12.33±1.52a  respectively; and followed by Zee soap at the concentration of 10-1 with the highest and the lowest zone of inhibition as 18.66±0.57b and 11.66±0.57a as compared to the positive control (Levofluxacin) zone of inhibition 24.00±1.00, but were not susceptible to Dettol and Royal soaps. It is obvious that Tetmosol and Zee soaps have the antibacterial agents that can either kill or inhibit the bacterial cells. It was  determined that neither Tetmosol soap nor Zee soap have bacteriocidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus; they all exhibited bacteriostatic effect. Tetmosol and Zee soaps showed significant antibacterial activity greater than those of the Dettol and Royal soaps. It is recommended that Tetmosol and Zee soaps be used for sanitizing the skin.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1Aims of the Study 5

1.2 Objectives of the Study 5

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 6

2.1 Virulence Factor 8

2.1.1 Enzymes 8

2.1.2 Toxins  8

2.1.2.1Superantigens 8

2.1.2.2Exfolivative Toxins A and B 9

2.1.2.3 Other Toxins 9

2.2 Antibacterial Activity of Soap 10

2.3 Medical Relevance of Antimicrobial Soap 11

2.4 Normal Skin Microbiota and Soap 12

2.5 Relationship to Host 13

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 15

3.1 Material 15

3.2 Sample Collection 15

3.3 Media Preparation 15

3.4 Identification of Isolates 16

3.4.1 Isolation of Microorrganisms 16

 3.4.2 Sub-culturing and Preservation of Pure Cultures of Microorrganisms 16

3.4.3 Gram Staining 17

3.4.4 Biochemical Test 17

3.4.4.1 Catalase Test 17

3.4.4.2 Coagulase Test 18

3.5 Bioassay Procedure 18

3.5.1 Soap Sample Preparation 18

3.5.2 Preparation of Disc 19

3.5.3 Assay 19

3.5.4 Determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) 20

3.5.5 Determination of Minimal Bacterial Concentrations (MBCs) 20

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 21

4.1. Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of Test Isolate 22

4.2 Zone of Inhibition for Susceptibility Test Results 23

4.3 Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) Results 24

4.4 Minimal Bacterial Concentrations (MBCs) Results 25

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 26

5.1 Discussion 26

5.2 Conclusion 27

5.3 Recommendation 27

Reference 29