Effectiveness of a Low-Cost Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol on Hospital Surfaces: A Before–After Microbiological Assessment in a Resource-Limited Teaching Hospital

A considerable portion of infections arising in medical settings is linked to the hygienic status of the working environment, often tied to inadequate sanitation. To determine how well a combined procedure (cleaning + disinfection) worked at the “Université des Montagnes” Teaching Hospital, this study measured how surface bacterial loads changed after decontamination. The study also examined how isolated bacteria reacted to selected disinfectants. Adjusted protocols for detecting, counting, and testing susceptibility were used alongside standard identification methods. Surface samples were taken by moist swabs before cleaning, after cleaning but prior to disinfection, and again post-disinfection. Findings showed that Staphylococcus dominated samples (75.5%). Elevated bacterial counts found prior to decontamination became non-detectable once cleaned with “Pax lemon.” Most strains (98%) were sensitive to the disinfectants assessed, namely Surfanios® 0.25% and sodium hypochlorite 0.12%.Collectively, these outcomes point to the procedure’s effectiveness and support the use of Surfanios® (0.25%) or sodium hypochlorite (0.12%) for maintaining surface hygiene. The combination of “Pax lemon” detergent for cleaning, followed by sodium hypochlorite disinfection, appears adequate for the surface types examined.