Determine Disinfectant and Antiseptic Effectiveness Using Zone Inhibition Method

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol “refers to two water-soluble chemical compounds—ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol—that have generally underrated germicidal characteristics” (“Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities”). Ethyl alcohol kills bacteria in two ways: “protein denaturation and dissolving the lipid membrane” (“How Does Ethyl Alcohol Kill Bacteria?“). Next, Betadine, also known as Povidone-iodine is a solution [that is] often used in hand scrubs and hand rubs in hospital settings” (Ngan). It is used in “Treating minor wounds and infections, as well as killing bacteria” (“Povidone/ iodine solution”). Povidone-iodine’s way of killing bacteria is still being researched and “is yet to be fully understood, [but] it appears to have the ability to penetrate the cell wall of bacteria and affect their structure and function. This ensures their rapid destruction and helps protect against wound and skin infection” (“What is an Antiseptic”). Germ-X Hand Sanitizer is a hand gel that is used for waterless “washing” of hands to kill germs on the surface. It is an antiseptic primarily used by those who want to kill germs quickly and cannot wash their hands (Samuels). The formula contains about 63 percent ethyl alcohol according to livestrong.com (Samuels). Neosporin is a topical antibiotic used to

The active ingredient in Dettol Antiseptic Liquid is 4.8% chloroxylenol, a chemical that inhibits the growth of a large range of microorganisms including gram negative bacteria. It can be used to cleanse flesh wounds or disinfect surfaces. Chloroxylenol destroys the

This experiment illustrates the importance of handwashing and proves that hand washing is worth it. Since our hands are constantly coming into contact with ourselves and others, touching surfaces, grabbing objects, being sneezed into, etc., keeping our hands clean is one of the most effective, yet simple way we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running warm water. “The human skin is a host to anywhere between 10,000-10,000,000 bacteria per square centimeter and since health care providers come into contact with pathogenic bacteria by being engaged in patient care, hand washing can reduce the risk of spreading diseases (page 3).” The objective of the experiment is to test the effectiveness of hand washing and demonstrate normal flora. This report presents the procedures and materials for the experiment, the experiment's results, and an analysis of those results.

“Ajax Spray ‘n’ Wipe” specifically states that it kills E. coli. This is because of the lactic acid in the spray, which is used as a natural antibacterial agent.” ("Colgate-Palmolive | Product Ingredients"). Lactic acid kills unwanted bacteria especially in food which is where E. coli is often found and transmitted, of which meat is the most common cause. Vinegar was chosen as a substance because “it can be used as a bleach alternative” (“Disinfectants: A Guide to Killing Germs the Right Way”) and bleach kills E. coli. It is also used as an everyday cleaning product. The last substance chosen was salty water because it is thought that salt kills bacteria. Much of the world’s population has access to salt and if the experiment proves that salt kills E. coli it would be a helpful factor for further treatment of the

Conrad, A., Grotejohann, B., Schmoor, C., Cosic, D., & Dettenkofer, M. (2015). Safety and tolerability of virucidal hand rubs: a randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial with healthy volunteers. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 4(1), 1. doi:10.1186/s13756-015-0079-y

Out of the all the antiseptics being used in this investigation the more well known antiseptics such as dettol and sudocrem will be more effective when stopping the growth of bacteria than natural antiseptics like lemon.

The purpose of this project was to identify the identities of two unknown bacteria in a mixed broth culture by using several separation methods. To separate the organisms, a four-way streak plate technique was used to isolate the two unknown bacteria into separate visible colonies. Then after each colony were clearly isolated; the two unknowns were processed through Gram staining test to determine the Gram stain and morphology. After Gram staining, a carbohydrate test was performed on each unknown to determine if it had glucose, sucrose, or lactose fermentation. The results of the sugar test help determining which biochemical test should be performed next. The Gram positive organism was tested through a carbohydrate fermentation test, then further tested to confirm its identity through an indole and catalase test. The Gram negative organism was tested through carbohydrate fermentation test, then further tested to confirmed its identity through an indole, and TSIA test. After running four biochemical tests, the results conclude that the Gram positive unknown was Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus was identified based on the fermentation results of the glucose test, negative indole test, and a positive catalase production. S. aureus is a Gram positive circular shaped bacterium that is very common in the U.S and is normally found in the nose, respiratory tract, and on the skin. This bacterium is usually the most common cause of infections after injury or surgery.

The disinfectant that was the most effective was the Wescodyne® due to the fact that it was the only disinfectant that had a zone of inhibition for both E. coli and S. aureus, and the zone of inhibition was quite large, with it being 16 millimeters for E. coli and it being 19 millimeters for S. aureus.

Within a microbiology lab extra precaution must be taken due to the vast amount of different organisms being analysed as infections and diseases may arise therefore it is vital to consider and implement various safety precautions to prevent a breakout. Micro-organisms being examined can be classified as being a pathogen; an agent initiating disease/illness towards its host, for example an infectious particle or organism being able to produce a disease/illness in another organism. An example of a type of bacteria that is considered pathogenic would be Mycobacterium tuberculosis (causing tuberculosis). (http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Pathogen). There are many hazardous chemicals present in a microbiology lab as well as the equipment

In this paper, I will be explaining within the context of three case studies, how microorganisms can be distinguished from each other and how best to treat the particular pathogens that have caused the three diseases.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a key opportunistic pathogen characterized by high-level antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation (1).Biofilm is a structured community of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix adherent to an inert or living surface. Biofilmproducing organisms are more antimicrobial resistant than organisms without biofilm. In some extreme cases, the concentrations of antimicrobials required to kill biofilm positive organisms can be three- to four-fold higher than for biofilm negative bacteria, depending on the species and drug combination (2). Biofilms have great importance for public health as they are the main cause of nosocomial infections, especially implant-based and chronic infections (3). Antibiotic resistance in biofilms is due to a combination of many factors that act together to result in a level of resistance that is much higher than that of planktonic bacteria (4,5).

Manuka honey was a potential treatment because it is hypertonic from its sugar content and is seen as an alternative medicine with having anti-bacterial qualities. According to Balick, there are small amounts of non-peroxide within the honey that can heal infected wounds, however there is little research on Manuka honey's antibacterial properties when it has been ingested (Balick,

The proposed evidence-based practice change is to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and/or multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) through the daily use of chlorhexidine-impregnated wipes or chlorhexidine soap among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and medical-surgical units. Chlorhexidine gluconate is a broad-spectrum, antiseptic agent against several pathogens, such as S. aureus and enterococcus species (Climo et al., 2013, p. 534). Daily baths will be emphasized to patients with the current diagnosis of a HAIs, MDROs or are currently and/or have chronic suppressed immune systems. Furthermore, providing education to staff and patients and their families regarding the prevention of HAIs and MDROs through the use of chlorhexidine bath products will help implement this EBP change.

Ventilator-associated (VAP) is the number one cause of health care associated infection in the intensive care unit. (ICU). It is a major cause of mortality in patients and increase in healthcare cost. Risk of VAP is increased in hospitalized patients in ICU unit on a mechanical ventilator. The risk may be due to inability of caring out good and adequate infection control measures to prevent the spread of disease. A reduction of VAP incidence in ICU setting could be accomplished by implementing Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse for decontamination.

It is also active against gram positive and gram negative organisms. Chlorhexidine is used to disinfect the surgical site and surrounding skin. It is an alcohol based antiseptic which has proven to reduce the chances of wound catheter and surgical site colonization.