A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION INTO THE ANTIMICROBIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DISINFECTANTS CONTAINING CHLORINE AND ALCOHOL

Background of the study: Antiseptics and disinfectants are extensively employed in hospitals and various healthcare facilities for a diverse array of applications pertaining to topical and hard-surface disinfection. Specifically, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the execution of infection control protocols and contribute to the prevention of hospital-acquired infections (Awodele, 2022). The increasing concerns regarding microbiological contamination and infection risks in the food and consumer markets have resulted in a corresponding increase in the utilisation of antiseptics and disinfectants by the general population. Within these products, a diverse range of active chemical compounds, commonly referred to as "biocides," can be found. Numerous biocides have been employed for the purposes of antisepsis, disinfection, and preservation for extended periods of time, spanning several centuries (Bloomfield, 2022). However, there exists a significant disparity in the understanding of the mechanisms of action between active medications and antibiotics. Antibiotics often exhibit specific intracellular targets, whereas biocides may possess several targets. Generally, biocides exhibit a broader spectrum of activity compared to antibiotics. There exists a hypothesis among certain individuals that the widespread utilisation of antiseptic and disinfection products could potentially contribute to the development of microbial resistance, specifically with regards to cross-resistance to antibiotics (Chioma, 2021).

Chlorinated chemicals are frequently utilised in dentistry clinics and laboratory settings due to their extensive antibacterial activity, minimal toxicity, affordability, and efficacy in combating biofilms.

The user's text is already academic. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that these substances have the potential to induce corrosion in metallic materials, and their effectiveness can be diminished when exposed to substantial quantities of organic waste. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate, a chemical compound commonly employed in the medical industry, is frequently utilised despite its caustic nature. Coogan (2022) has reported the development and widespread utilisation of disinfectants in industrial environments that have a controlled release of chlorine dioxide together with the inclusion of corrosion inhibitors.

Considerable research has been conducted into the feasibility of including chlorine dioxide in dental products. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of mouthrinses in the treatment of chronic atrophic candidiasis, denture stomatitis, as well as in the prevention of plaque buildup, control of periodontal infections, and management of oral malodor. This phenomenon occurs due to the inhibitory effects exerted on the growth of candida albicans, the pathogenic microorganism responsible for chronic atrophic candidiasis. The range of values provided is between 2 and 5. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of sodium dichloroisocyanurate as a disinfectant for radiography films and irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. None of the aforementioned studies, with a total of six or seven, investigated the efficacy of these disinfectants against mycobacteria or the Hepatitis B virus. Furthermore, the potential anti-hepatitis B viral activity of chlorine dioxide remains undetermined, as indicated by Drake (2022).