Abstract

The effectiveness of the disinfectant hibitane on some microorganisms associated with nosocomial infections were assessed at various use-dilutions of 1: 10, 1: 100, 1: 200 and 1: 2000 constituted using aqueous ethanol and 10% serum solutions. The shapes of the death curves were qualitatively similar for all the organisms exhibiting an initial shoulder (lag), the duration of which depended on hibitane^® concentration used and this was closely followed by an exponential order of death. Alcoholic solutions were much more potent than aqueous solutions. Activity of the disinfectant was maintained in the presence of potable water and serum though to a lesser extent than deionized water. The order of resistance to the disinfectant was Escherichia coli (MBC 0.00008 - 0.0003) > Staphyloccocus aureus (MBC 0.00007 - 0.00026) > Candida albicans MBC 0.00006 - 0.00022).

Key words: Hibitane^®, nosocomial infections, exponential death, Escherichia coli, Staphyloccocus aureus, Candida albicans.