Efficacy of Disinfectants Against Pathogenic Bacteria in Intensive Care Units of Abadan and Khorramshahr Hospitals, Iran

Background: Effective surface disinfection techniques are necessary to decrease the risk of dissemination of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which pose a serious concern in the healthcare industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four disinfectants (Lysoformin 3000, Epimax Surclean, Minuten Spray, and Epimax quick) in reducing pathogenic bacteria on surfaces in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Abadan and Khorramshahr hospitals. Methods: A descriptive-analytical approach was used with non-probability convenience sampling in three hospitals. High patient and staff contact areas were taken into consideration when choosing sampling locations. Before and after each agent’s disinfection, 240 samples in total were gathered and then subjected to culture and biochemical testing to determine the presence of pathogens. Paired t-tests were utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Before disinfection, the mean colony counts of pathogenic bacteria were determined for each disinfectant in different ICU locations. After disinfection, significant reductions in pathogen counts were observed for all four disinfectants. Commonly identified Gram-negative bacteria included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, while Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus were prevalent among Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusion: Effective disinfection is critical in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of infection transmission. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate disinfectants tailored to specific circumstances and pathogens. Continued research and improvement of disinfection protocols are essential to meet the evolving challenges of infection control. This study contributes to the knowledge base for improving the safety of healthcare environments and reducing HAIs.