In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Various Hand Sanitizers

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene is vital in controlling the spread of infections in both hospital and community settings. This study evaluates the antimicrobial effectiveness of four hand sanitizers—Imported, Local chemical, Local herbal, and Multinational—against bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Objective: The objective was to determine the comparative efficacy of these products in an in-vitro environment.

Methods: This in-vitro study employed the agar disk diffusion method using Mueller-Hinton agar to assess antimicrobial efficacy. Bacterial suspensions were standardized to McFarland 0.5 turbidity, and 50 μL of each sanitizer was introduced into pre-drilled agar wells. Sterile water served as the control. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C, zones of inhibition were measured with a digital caliper. The results underwent statistical analysis using ANOVA and post hoc testing.

Results: Imported exhibited the largest zones of inhibition, with mean diameters (in mm) significantly greater than the other sanitizers: Imported (22 ± 6), Local Herbal (7.7 ± 0.5), Local Chemical (9.5 ± 1.5), and Multinational (8 ± 1). The statistical significance of these differences was confirmed (P < 0.001). Among all products, Imported demonstrated the highest efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusion: Imported was the most effective hand sanitizer for maintaining hand hygiene, followed by Local Chemical, Multinational, and Local Herbal. This study highlights the critical need for regulatory oversight to ensure product claims align with verified antimicrobial performance.