1.1 Introduction
Disinfectants, antiseptics and preservatives are chemicals which have the ability to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms and process of removing microorganisms including potentially pathogenic ones, from the surface of inanimate objects. The British Standards Institution further define disinfection as not necessarily killing all of the organisms, but reducing them to a level which is neither harmful to health nor to the quality of perishable goods (Wilson et al., 2004). Disinfectants are essential parts of infection control practices and aid in the prevention of nosocomial infections. But a common problem is the selection of disinfections, because different pathogens vary in their response to different disinfectants.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living object to destroy microorganisms that are living on the objects (CDC, 2021). Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacteria spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical and or chemical process that kills all types of life (CDC, 2021).
Disinfectants are different from other antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics which destroy microorganisms within the body and antiseptics, which destroy microorganisms on living tissue. Disinfectants are also different from biocides-the latter are intended to destroy all forms of life, not just microorganisms. Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with the metabolism. Sanitizers are substances that simultaneously clean and disinfect (Cleaning and disinfecting, 2009).
Disinfectants are frequently used in hospitals, dental surgeries, kitchen and bathrooms to kill infectious organisms. Bacterial endospores are more resistant to disinfectants, but some viruses and bacteria also possess some tolerance. In waste water treatment, a disinfection step with chlorine, ultraviolet (UV) radiation or ozonation can be included as tertiary treatment to remove pathogens from waste water, especially if it is to be reused to irrigate golf course (Cleaning and disinfecting, 2009).
Most infections caused by pathogenic microbes are important cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world, according to (Wilson et al., 2004), wound infections represents an important cause of morbidity and accounts for 70-80% mortality. The antimicrobial properties of the disinfectant against some pathogen bacteria have earlier been reported. Moreover, microorganisms are continuously acquiring resistance to new antiseptic or disinfectants, as a result, no single disinfectant will be appropriate for all pathogens (Tortora et al., 2004).
Disinfectants are usually used in dilutions, however it has been shown that when some of these agents are diluted for use, some Gram negative bacteria e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can still survive, making them ineffective against nosocomial infections. The emergence of resistant microorganisms in the community is causing problems for infection control. Organisms of particular concern include methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Klebsiella and glycopeptide resistant enterococci (Aboh et al., 2013).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Antibacterial Activities of Some Commonly used Household Disinfectants on Some Bacterial Isolates.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that disinfectants are ideal for the killing of this microorganism. It is therefore very important for every house hold to learn on, this substance can be produced at a cheaper rate in order to be free from the nuisance caused by these microorganisms.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Antibacterial Activities of Some Commonly used Household Disinfectants on Some Bacterial Isolates. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the selected disinfectants against the test isolates; and
- To know the antimicrobial potentials of different disinfectants under different trade names on selected tests isolates.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- How can disinfectants be produce in various homes rather than going for commercial ones?
- What are the efficacy of the product (disinfectant) produced?
- What are the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the selected disinfectants against the test isolates?
- What are the antimicrobial potentials of different disinfectants under different trade names on selected tests isolates?
1.6 Significance of Study
The result of this research work would be useful in the Production of Disinfectant. It will equally serve as a guide to the Production of Disinfectants as well as to learners.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Antibacterial Activities of Some Commonly used Household Disinfectants on Some Bacterial Isolates.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
