1.1 Introduction
Disinfectants 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, Limitation 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).
Antiseptics and disinfectants are used extensively in hospitals and other health care settings for a variety of topical and hard-surface applications. In particular, they are an essential part of infection control practices and aid in the prevention of nosocomial infections. Mounting concerns over the potential for microbial contamination and infection risks in the food and general consumer markets have also led to increased use of antiseptics and disinfectants by the general public. A wide variety of active chemical agents (or “biocides”) are found in these products, many of which have been used for hundreds of years for antisepsis, disinfection, and preservation.
Despite this, less is known about the mode of action of these active agents than about antibiotics. In general, biocides have a broader spectrum of activity than antibiotics, and, while antibiotics tend to have specific intracellular targets, biocides may have multiple targets. The widespread use of antiseptic and disinfectant products has prompted some speculation on the development of microbial resistance, in particular cross resistance to antibiotics.
Chlorinated compounds are often used in dental clinics and laboratory environment due to their broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, low toxicity, low cost and efficacy in biofilms.1 However, they corrode metals and are inactivated by organic matter at high concentrations. A slow-release chlorine compound, sodium dichloroisocyanurateis used in healthcare settings; however, it too is corrosive. Slow-release chlorine dioxide disinfectants have been developed containing corrosion inhibitors which are extensively used in the industrial settings.
Naturally, chlorine is in the form of toxic gas and this is why it melds in water to remove its toxicity. In addition, it is found in the form of liquid, which is called sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and is found in the form of a powder called calcium hypochlorite. According to Amy et al., (2000), chlorine is used in its gaseous and liquid shape and both act as a powerful oxidizing substance Chlorine gas is decomposed in water to produce hypochlorous acid and the latter is a weak acid that dissolves into a proton and hypochlorite ions. Hypochlorous acid is a powerful primary disinfectant that works efficiently in an acidic environment and is more effective than hypochlorite, which works bestin alkaline ones (Amy et al., 2000).
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 Antimicrobial Properties of Chlorine and Alcohol Disinfectants.
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. In addition, bacteria chlorinated by the myeloperoxidase system lost their ability to induce nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-a in macrophages.
Disinfectants are used extensively in hospitals and other health care centers to control the growth of microbes on both living tissues and inanimate objects. They are essential parts of infection control practices and aid in the prevention of nosocomial infections. But a common problem is the selection of disinfectants and antiseptics because different pathogens vary in their response to different antiseptics or disinfectants. Dettol is widely used in homes and healthcare settings for various purposes including disinfection of skin and objects (Karabit MS, et.al., 1985).
These findings prompted us to establish methods of detection and quantification of chlorination of bacterial surfaces and to perform the first systematic examination of chlorine covers on Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and Candida albicans.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Antimicrobial Properties of Chlorine and Alcohol Disinfectants. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of chlorine and alcohol disinfectants against the test isolates; and
- To compare the antimicrobial effect of a chlorine dioxide and a chlorine generating disinfectant on the contaminants commonly present on dental instruments and in the dental surgery.
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 is the efficacy of the chlorine and alcohol disinfectants 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 will help to add to the existing knowledge in this area of research. It will be of significance in the health sector as it will reduce the effects and spread of bacteria on man. It will provide insightful information on individuals in order to educate them on the properties of chlorine and alcohol disinfectants
This study will also help the educational sector, as it could be used as a source material to carry out further research related to this study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Antimicrobial Properties of Chlorine and Alcohol Disinfectants.
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).
