Universal Journal of Microbiology Research 2(3): 50-55, 2014 http://www.hrpub.org DOI: 10.13189/ujmr.2014.020302 Analysis of in Vitro Efficiency of Electrolyzed Water Against Fungi Species Frequently Detected in Nosocomial Infections Nevzat Ünal 1 , Adil Karadağ 2 , Keramettin Yanık 2,* , Kemal Bilgin 3 , Murat Günaydın 4 , Asuman Birinci 2 1 Adana Numune Education and Research Hospital, Laboratory of Microbiology, Adana, Turkey 2 Ondokuz Mayis University, Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Samsun, Turkey 3 Ondokuz Mayis University, Vocational High School Health Services, Samsun, Turkey 4 Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey *Corresponding Author: keramettinyanik@gmail.com Copyright © 2014 Horizon Research Publishing All rights reserved. Abstract Fungi are the factors causing nosocomial infections but they are not considered in the first hand still, their importance is gradually increased as they are frequently detected microorganisms. We aimed to determine in vitro efficiency of electrolyzed water on different molds and yeasts. Materials and Methods-In School of Medicine Hospital of Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey, the effect of electrolyzed water produced in Envirolyte (Envirolyte Industries International Ltd., Estonia) device on the yeast fungi and mold fungi in different concentrations and contact period isolated from clinical samples with qualitative suspension test method. As media Sabouraud dextrose agar, and as Dey-Engley Neutralizing broth (Sigma-Aldrich, USA) were used. Results-Envirolyte electrolyzed water was detected to be effective against all yeasts used in the study as well as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae,Trichosporon spp. and mold; Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger isolates in the concentrations of 1/1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10 in 1 minute and other testing durations.Based upon the results we acquired, we believe that Envirolyte electrolyzed water is a cheap and easy to obtain and natural disinfectant for controlling the nosocomial infections. Keywords Aspergillus, Candida, Electrolyzed Water 1. Introduction Micro-organisms that cause nosocomial infections show periodic changes depending on various factors. In the last 25-30 years, rates of infections caused by fungi are remarkably increased [1-3]. Fungal pathogens that mostly cause hospital infections are listed as Candida albicans, other Candida species and Aspergillus species [4-6]. Nosocomial infections may be endogenous as well as they may be exogenous infections caused by eco-borne micro-organisms [7]. It is already known that disinfection failure may lead to additional treatment costs and even morbidity or mortality of patients, furthermore, unnecessary operations about disinfections may increase hospital expenses and also may cause selection of resistant micro-organisms [8].The subjects such as efficacy spectru m of disinfectant, the suitability with the area where it has been needed to be used, required time to demonstrate the expected effectiveness, possible after-use damages on environment and the equipment and cost are taken into consideration in the selection of the disinfectant at hospitals. Yet, disinfectant products which have antimicrobial effects are substances and chemicals that form danger to human health and the environment due to their physicochemical properties in a way that the employees working in spaces where these products have been used, on patients who can possibly touch the equipments and surfaces containing these product and also they are post-consumer wastes. The studies have been done considering all these disadvantages are intended to provide accurate, inexpensive, easily applicable and reliable disinfectants which can be used against hospital disinfections [8]. To this end, electrolyzed water which has been begun to be widely used in recent years has many advantages such as not to compose toxic product, low transaction costs, to be harmless on human tissue and it is also considered to be safe for patients and staff during the hospital disinfection processes [9]. Electrolyzed water which is obtained by applying electric current too salty water is used for disinfection and strelilization procedures due to its broad sprectrum of activity against micro-organisms. Electrolyzed water (hypoclorous acid, hypochlorite ions, dissolved oxygen, ozone, superoxide radicals and etc.) formed after electrolysis shows a high degree of antimicrobial activity and strong oxidation potential depending on electrolysis process. It is more efficient, low cost, non toxic and vide spectrum