Evaluation of the Efficacy of Some Selected Disinfectants Using the Chick-Martin Test Article Sidebar

Disinfectants are vital in infection control as they inactivate or kill harmful germs. Their efficacy, however, is in question, particularly in the presence of organic waste. The aim of the study is the application of the Chick-Martin phenol coefficient test to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of locally manufactured and foreign-made disinfectants from Awka and Onitsha markets, Nigeria. A total of ten (10) disinfectants- (4 foreign and 6 local) were tested for their effectiveness against some microorganisms, including Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. They were compared for their effectiveness as a bactericidal agent with that of phenol using the Chick-Martin test to ascertain their phenol coefficient. The results indicated notable differences in antimicrobial activity. Tetmosol and Septol were most active against Staphylococcus aureus (phenol coefficient = 2), while Dettol and Jik were moderately active (coefficient = 1). Lysol, Dr. Johnson, and Septol were most active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (coefficient = 8). Against Salmonella spp., Dettol, Dr Johnson, and Jik were most active (coefficient = 8), while Tetmosol and Divitol were poorly active (coefficient = 1). Foreign disinfectants had greater mean Chick-Martin coefficients than local brands in general, indicating their superior efficacy. However, the fact that some local disinfectants, such as Tetmosol and Septol, had performances comparable to foreign brands indicates that they may be efficacious at lower prices. The study highlights the prospects of some local disinfectants (e.g., SEPTOL and TETMOSOL) as effective substitutes for costly foreign brands, advancing affordability without undercutting effectiveness.