Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Clostridium difficile is the major infective cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea. The present study was conducted to compare detergent versus hypochlorite cleaning on environmental contamination. Materials & Methods: The present study comprised of hypochlorite (1000 ppm available chlorine) (Group I) and neutral liquid detergent (1/1000 dilution) (Group II). Two wards with similar patient mix, design, and layout were cleaned with one or other regimen for 6-12 months periods. Results: The number of toxin positive patients was 40 in group I and 25 in group II, percentage of culture positive environmental sites was 32% in group I and 36% in group II and percentage of positive HIPs was 2.6% in group I and 9.4% in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The frequency of C. difficile culture positive sites on floor was 22% in group I and 28% in group II, in bedframes was 19% in group I and 16% in group II, in radiators was 41% group I and 52% group II, in toilet floor was 58% group I and 70% group II, in sluite floor was 32% in group I and 54% in group II and in cleaners floor was 12% in group I and 32% in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The use of hypochlorite for environmental cleaning may significantly reduce incidence of C. difficile infection.