Evaluating the Efficacy of 0.5% Sodium Hypochlorite Disinfection for Microbial Control in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital's Burns and Plastics Unit

BACKGROUND: The rise in nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), has led to widespread illness and fatalities, affecting both patients and healthcare workers. This surge is a result of inadequate disinfection practices. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 5% disinfectant on microbial contamination in the Burns Unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). METHODS: Swab samples were collected from surfaces such as working benches, door handles, sinks, taps, and trolleys in the Burns Unit of KBTH before and after routine disinfection. The samples were cultured on Blood agar and MacConkey agar. Standard bacteriological techniques, including Gram staining and biochemical tests, were used to identify the isolated bacteria. The isolates were then tested against prepared dilutions of the bleach disinfectant used in the Burns Unit. Additionally, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of sodium hypochlorite against the isolates were determined. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in microbial load before and after routine disinfection for most sampled surfaces (p > 0.05), except for air-exposed plates. The isolated organisms included Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Citrobacter freundii. While the working solution showed no inhibition zones, laboratory testing confirmed that a properly prepared 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution was effective against all isolates. CONCLUSION: This study found that the bioburden remained high after routine disinfection. A 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (1:10 dilution of the 5% stock) was effective in eliminating all isolates.