Publication:

Scientific validation of Dhoopa formulations through fumigation in a healthcare setup

Background Microbial contamination of the air inside a healthcare facility, especially in the outpatient department (OPD) and the operating theatres (OT), is a contributing factor to hospital-acquired infections. Air disinfection is commonly achieved using chemical fumigants, which are associated with health hazards and limited short-term effectiveness, prompting the need to identify safer alternatives. This research was to determine the antimicrobial and air safety of two herbal Dhoopa formulations (DF-I and DF-II) in a medical facility. Aimed at evaluating their performance in reducing airborne bacterial and fungal loads in OPD and OT areas, and at comparing their performance with that of a chemical fumigant (Envipure).

Methods Dhoopa formulations were made of herbs, cow ghee, camphor, neem, drumstick, mustard seeds, and guggul resin. Fumigation was done in the OPD and OT rooms. The quantity of the bacterial and fungal loads carried by the air was measured by the passive settle plate technique every hour until four hours after the fumigation was carried out. To determine the safety of the air, respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) was measured.

Results Both the DF-I and DF-II exhibited statistically significant (p<0.001) time-dependent decrease in the number of microbes in the air, with the best effect at the fourth hour. Envipure was initially highly efficacious and subsequently declined. The level of particulate matter came back to acceptable levels in four hours of herbal fumigation.

Conclusions Herbal Dhoopa formulations exhibited long-term antimicrobial activity and acceptable air quality and thus could be used as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fumigants in hospitals.