ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the efficacy of antibacterial hand sanitizers used in hospitals within Ugbowo Benin City, in reducing microbial bioburden on the palm surface. Samples were collected from Echos Hospital, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and Uniben Health Center. Ethical approval was obtained, and samples were collected and analyzed for cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of bacteria. The bacteria count ranged from 1×102 CFU/cm2 to 1.6×103CFU/cm2 , with Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus being the most predominant organism found. The hand sanitizers produced by the hospitals contained a 70% alcohol and 30% disinfectant concentration and were found to be effective against the microbiological normal flora of the palm. Further characterization of isolates included biochemical tests such as Oxidase, Catalase, Coagulase, and Citrate tests, as well as an antibiotic susceptibility test using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. The Bacillus isolates exhibited sensitivity to antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, Pefloxacin, and Gentamicin, whereas, the Staphylococcus isolates exhibited sensitivity to all of the antibiotics. The hemolysis test confirmed the pathogenic qualities of the isolates, with beta hemolysis observed, indicating complete lysis of red blood cells. Overall, while alcohol-based hand sanitizers proved effective in reducing microbial bioburden on the palm surface, proper hand hygiene practices remain crucial in healthcare settings to minimize the risk of nosocomial infections, particularly given the presence of Bacillus organisms capable of spore production.
