Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Surfaces of Public Toilets

Abstract

The infection control in surfaces of public toilets environment is a matter of great concern and a major challenge, especially during mass gatherings. The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of titanium dioxide nanoparticles coating on environmental surfaces of public toilets during Hajj time. A pilot study has been designed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the surfaces of public toilets. The results showed a significant reduction in colony-count of the test samples. Maximum average reduction count of test microbes of the seats and walls reached (99.7%) while that of the doors reached (99.1%) which was statistically significant (P value = 0.001). It was concluded that there was a marked effect of a mixed TiO2 coating on reducing the microbial count at the surfaces of public toilets environments. Further research on efficacy against specific organisms, intestinal parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteriophage is recommended.