Comparative Analysis Of The Antiseptic Properties Of Some Disinfectants On Bacteria And Fungi Of Public Health Importance Isolated From Barbing Clippers

The assessment of disinfectants and cleaning agents commonly used bybarbers during barbering operations has always been crucial with reference topublic health importance. This study focused on the evaluation of theantiseptic properties of commonly used disinfectants in public barbing salonwith the aim of ascertaining their suitability for barbing operations. Thestudy revealed Malassezia and Trichophyton species as consistent fungispecies while Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Bacillus species werecommon bacteria consistently isolated from barbing clippers before and afterthe use of disinfectant (Jik, Izal, Dettol, Kerosene and Fuel). Malassezia andTrichophyton occurred respectively in 70.8% and 58.3% of samples, whileStaphylococcus, Streptococcus and Bacillus species occurred in 91.67%, 75%and 83.3% of samples respectively. Of all the used disinfectants, hydrogenperoxide (H2O2) showed more antiseptic properties on all isolates with a zoneof inhibition of 12mm (Malassezia), 14mm (Trichophyton), 42mm(Staphylococcus), 40mm (Streptococcus) and 30mm (Bacillus) while Fueland kerosene were least in antiseptic properties and showed zero zone ofinhibition for all the isolates. The result therefore showed that Hydrogenperoxide is suitable for barbing operations and could be an alternative to highlevel disinfection.