ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effects of different disinfectants on bacterial isolates from hospital formites. The result showed bacteria flora covering eight species including E. coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Enterococcus spp. The activity of the three test disinfectants against the hospital formites bacterial isolate at varying concentration indicates that all the disinfectants were active against each of the isolate at full strength (100% concentration) but showed varieties in their respective activity at diluted concentrations. Izal was effective at minimum concentration of 12.5% (v/v) against E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus, and Klebsiella. While it minimum inhibition concentration recorded 25% (quarter strength) against Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas. Dettol did not record any activity at concentration of 6.25% and 12.5% but showed inhibition at the minimum concentration of 25% for E. coli, Enterococcus and Klebsiella and at 50% for proteus, pseudomonas and micrococcus. Ivy was active at 12% concentration against Pseudomonas, Micrococcus and klebsiella and at 25% concentration against E. coli, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Proteus. Therefore, the result show that the performance of the test disinfectants against the hospital formites bacteria isolates was in the order of potency, Izal ˃ Ivy ˃ Dettol. In general, the minimum concentration of the disinfectants that cause inhibition of the bacteria isolates was 12.5% (v/v) for izal and ivy and 25% for dettol. it was concluded that inanimate objects in hospital environment habor a wide range of bacteria species some of which are pathogenic or potentially pathogenic. This work recommends that the used of this common and popular disinfectant should be encouraged in homes and public places especially in the hospitals.