Effectiveness of disinfectants for hospital use against Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract

Disinfectants are essential in keeping spaces free of microorganisms that may be harmful to health. However, their long-term residual effectiveness has been reduced due to various factors inherent to the bacteria or the chemical compound, which can lead to an increase in the prevalence of nosocomial infections within hospital spaces. Objective: To assess the residual effect of 70º ethanol, 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% chlorhexidine, and 0.1% sodium hypochlorite used as hospital disinfectants against Enterococcus faecalis. Methodology: A descriptive study with a quantitative and longitudinal approach was employed. Four disinfectants were used with concentrations established in the disinfection protocol of the MOH ( Medical Office of Health) and PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). It worked with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC-29212 using the Kirby Bauer technique in Mueller Hinton Agar. The inhibition halos obtained at 20 minutes, one, three, six, 12, and 24 hours after impregnation with the disinfectant were measured to verify its residual effect. Results: Sodium hypochlorite (0.1%), ethanol (70°), chlorhexidine (2%), and glutaraldehyde (2%) were utilized. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 did not generate inhibition halos against the first two disinfectants. Finally, 2% glutaraldehyde and 2% chlorhexidine were maintained with small inhibition halos during the six periods. However, the remaining effect was not continuous. Conclusion: The residual biocides  effect  is ineffective over prolonged periods for cleaning and disinfection in hospital environments.