Analysis of handwashing efficacy with ozonized water on resident microbial flora

• Grant number: 11/12703-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2011
• End date: September 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Vasquez Daud
• Grantee: Fernanda Vasquez Daud
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP). Fundação Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Rodrigo Altenfelder Silva ; Suely Mitoi Ykko Ueda

Abstract

Ozone is a potent oxidant and disinfectant agent. Its bactericidal effect follows from direct attack to the microorganisms, with oxidation of biological substances. Handwashing before and after handling a patient and before a surgical procedure is one of the most important measures to reduce the levels of operatory site infection and to control nosocomial infections caused by the transfer of microorganisms between different patients, through the action of health professionals. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of handwashing with ozonized water on resident flora from the skin of the hands of medical students. Methods: The resident flora from the dominant hand of medical students will be investigated through culture of material collected by finger's imprint and the swab of nails and interdigital area. The first sample will be without handwashing. It will be placed underwater flow (2L/min) for one minute. After drying, a new imprint and swab will be realized. After a week, the experiment will be repeated using ozonized water at a 0.4 ppm concentration and the same flow. The samples will be cultured on Mueller-Hilton medium for 24 to 48 hours at 37° ± 2ºC. After growth of colonies, the microorganisms will be isolated on blood agar and kept at 37° ± 2ºC for 24 to 48 hours and identified for genus and species, by biochemical tests. Results: it will be achieved by statistical analysis. (AU)