Inhibition Rates of Disinfectants on Bacterial Isolated from Student Dormitory

Abstract

Background: Although most of human life is spent inside, where bacteria are always present on things, little is known about the microbial variety of indoor habitats. Objectives: The major objective of this study was to determine the rate and types of bacterial contaminants in female and male student dormitory of Al-Kufa university campus, and to explore the inhibitory effect of certain disinfectants. This study was conducted for the period from October 2022 to Jun 2023. A total of 400 bacteriological swabs were collected aseptically from different sites of male and female student dormitory of Al-Kufa university. Swabs were streaked as soon as possible on blood agar and MaConkey agar plates and incubated overnight. Identification of bacterial species was based on standard bacteriological criteria. The inhibitory effect of 40% and 60% concentrations of three commercially available disinfectants; dettol (chloroxylenol), Al-Emlaq (Alkyl benzene sulfonate), and the house bleach (sodium hypochlorite) were explored by agar diffusion method. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The results revealed that the overall bacterial contamination rate in student’s dormitories of Al-Kufa university campus was 78%. Male dormitory unit had significantly higher contamination rate compared to female dormitory unit (57.5% vs 42.5%). Bacillus spp. Was the most predominant contaminant in both male and female units. Al-Emlaq super gel (Alkyl benzene sulfonate) was found as the most effective disinfectant against the majority of bacterial isolates. Conclusion: Authorized and public awareness toward bacterial contamination in student's dormitories is recommended. The selection of an effective disinfectant should be based on its active ingredient and concentration.