Abstract

SENSITIVITY OF FLOOR MICROFLORA TOWARDS VARIOUS DISINFECTANTS

Dr. Ch. Lalitha*, N. Yerusha, Ch. Mutyala Rao, S. Bhagya Sria and D. Roopa Devi

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms are omnipresent. They may be useful (e.g. Lactobacilli) or harmful (e.g. Pseudomonas, Salmonella etc) for human beings. The warm and moist environment of our surroundings including floors provides optimal conditions for their growth. There are many microbial species commonly present on the floor surfaces (Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus etc), most of which are non-pathogenic or pathogenic at higher concentrations. In order to control growth of such organisms floor disinfectants like Lizol, Domex, Dettol are commonly used. According to the Indian Medical Association, Lizol and Dettol are claimed to be the most effective disinfectants. In practice, it is impossible to maintain the conditions of the floor as it is maintained in vitro. Therefore, in the present study, experiments were designed using in vivo analysis to confirm the findings. A survey was conducted to determine consumer’s preference and preferred products were further analysed for their effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of floor microorganisms (in vivo). Attempts were also made to study the longevity of these floor disinfectants using turbidometric analysis. Our results suggested Phenyl to be the more effective as compared to other products used for the investigation.

Keywords: Disinfectant, Floor Microflora, in vitro, in vivo, Pathogens, Turbidometric method.