1
|
Omardien S, Pingulkar S, Thayagan M, Buniotto L, de Oliveira Negreiros M. The antibacterial performance of a residual disinfectant against Staphylococcus aureus on environmental surfaces. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338238. [PMID: 38351915 PMCID: PMC10861741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental surfaces play a key role in transmitting pathogens that can survive on surfaces for long durations. The interest in long-lasting or residual disinfectants are, therefore, growing as it might protect surfaces for longer than traditional disinfectants. In this study, a quat-based product claiming residual disinfecting performance against bacteria, among other microorganisms, was tested using an approved standardized method, in a controlled laboratory study and on environmental surfaces in an office building. The results obtained showed that the residual disinfectant can reduce the bacterial counts significantly compared to a traditional quat-based disinfectant when used on horizontal surfaces, twenty-four hours after application. During the standardized test method, the residual disinfectant provided a 6-log reduction, whereas the traditional disinfectant provided only a 1.9-log reduction. Similarly, the residual disinfectant provided a 2.5 log reduction in the laboratory study, whereas the traditional disinfectant had too-numerous-to-count colonies. When tested on environmental surfaces, an ANOVA statistical analysis indicated that surfaces treated with the residual disinfectant had significantly less bacteria present twenty-four hours after application. The antibacterial performance of the residual disinfectant showed to be limited by the orientation of the treated surface, and the thickness of the product film dried on the surface. This study showed the potential of residual disinfectants that warrants further investigation and could potentially aid the further development of the technology.
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin T, Chen X, Nishio M, Zhuang L, Shiomi H, Tonosaki Y, Yokohata R, King MF, Kang M, Fujii K, Zhang N. Interventions to prevent surface transmission of an infectious virus based on real human touch behavior: a case study of the norovirus. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:83-92. [PMID: 35649497 PMCID: PMC9148625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infectious viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, norovirus) can transmit through surfaces. Norovirus has infected millions of individuals annually. Interventions on norovirus transmission in high-risk indoor environment are important. METHODS This study focused on a restaurant in Guangzhou, China. More than 41,000 touches by both diners and staff members were collected using video cameras. A surface transmission model was developed and combined with these real human touch behaviors to analyze the effectiveness of different norovirus prevention strategies. RESULTS When the virus carrier was a diner, the virus intake fraction of diners in the same table was the highest. Increasing the touch frequency on personal private surfaces would reduce the virus exposure. The virus intake fraction was reduced by 18.4% on average if public surfaces were not touched. Optimization on surface materials could reduce the virus intake fraction by 86.6%. Additionally, disinfecting tablecloths, clothes of diners, and chairs were the three most effective surface disinfection strategies. CONCLUSION Controlling human touch behavior (e.g., reducing the self-touches on mucous membranes) is more effective than surface disinfection in controlling norovirus transmission, but surface disinfection cannot be ignored because human behavior is difficult to be controlled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuguang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong province, China
| | - Masaya Nishio
- R&D-Safety Science, Kao Corporation, Japan,R&D-Strategy, Kao Corporation, Japan
| | - Linan Zhuang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hiroyuki Shiomi
- R&D-Processing Development Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Japan
| | - Yosuke Tonosaki
- R&D-Processing Development Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, Japan
| | | | | | - Min Kang
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong province, China
| | - Kenkichi Fujii
- R&D-Safety Science, Kao Corporation, Japan,R&D-Strategy, Kao Corporation, Japan
| | - Nan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China,Corresponding author: Nan Zhang, Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Room 204, Pingleyuan 100, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, Telephone: +86 18210064566
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Di Battista A. A quantitative microbial risk assessment for touchscreen user interfaces using an asymmetric transfer gradient transmission mode. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265565. [PMID: 35333886 PMCID: PMC8956170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous use of public touchscreen user interfaces for commercial applications has created a credible risk for fomite-mediated disease transmission. This paper presents results from a stochastic simulation designed to assess this risk. The model incorporates a queueing network to simulate people flow and touchscreen interactions. It also describes an updated model for microbial transmission using an asymmetric gradient transfer assumption that incorporates literature reviewed empirical data concerning touch-transfer efficiency between fingers and surfaces. In addition to natural decay/die-off, pathogens are removed from the system by simulated cleaning / disinfection and personal-touching rates (e.g. face, dermal, hair and clothing). The dose response is implemented with an exponential moving average filter to model the temporal dynamics of exposure. Public touchscreens were shown to pose a considerable infection risk (∼3%) using plausible default simulation parameters. Sensitivity of key model parameters, including the rate of surface disinfection is examined and discussed. A distinctive and important advancement of this simulation was its ability to distinguish between infection risk from a primary contaminated source and that due to the re-deposition of pathogens onto secondary, initially uncontaminated touchscreens from sequential use. The simulator is easily configurable and readily adapted to more general fomite-mediated transmission modelling and may provide a valuable framework for future research.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sloan A, Kasloff SB, Cutts T. Mechanical Wiping Increases the Efficacy of Liquid Disinfectants on SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:847313. [PMID: 35391722 PMCID: PMC8981239 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.847313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-touch environmental surfaces are acknowledged as potential sources of pathogen transmission, particularly in health care settings where infectious agents may be readily abundant. Methods of disinfecting these surfaces often include direct application of a chemical disinfectant or simply wiping the surface with a disinfectant pre-soaked wipe (DPW). In this study, we examine the ability of four disinfectants, ethanol (EtOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), and potassium monopersulfate (KMPS), to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on a hard, non-porous surface, assessing the effects of concentration and contact time. The efficacy of DPWs to decontaminate carriers spiked with SARS-CoV-2, as well as the transferability of the virus from used DPWs to clean surfaces, is also assessed. Stainless steel carriers inoculated with approximately 6 logs of SARS-CoV-2 prepared in a soil load were disinfected within 5 min through exposure to 66.5% EtOH, 0.5% NaOCl, and 1% KMPS. The addition of mechanical wiping using DPWs impregnated with these biocides rendered the virus inactive almost immediately, with no viral transfer from the used DPW to adjacent surfaces. Carriers treated with 100 ppm of ClO2 showed a significant amount of viable virus remaining after 10 min of biocide exposure, while the virus was only completely inactivated after 10 min of treatment with 500 ppm of ClO2. Wiping SARS-CoV-2-spiked carriers with DPWs containing either concentration of ClO2 for 5 s left significant amounts of viable virus on the carriers. Furthermore, higher titers of infectious virus retained on the ClO2-infused DPWs were transferred to uninoculated carriers immediately after wiping. Overall, 66.5% EtOH, 0.5% NaOCl, and 1% KMPS appear to be highly effective biocidal agents against SARS-CoV-2, while ClO2 formulations are much less efficacious.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Todd Cutts
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Applied Biosafety Research Program, Safety and Environmental Services, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Phi 6 recovery from inoculated fingerpads based on elution buffer and methodology. J Virol Methods 2022; 299:114307. [PMID: 34606796 PMCID: PMC9757907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phi 6 (Φ6) bacteriophage is a proposed surrogate to study pathogenic enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2-the causative agent of COVID-19-based on structural similarities, BSL-1 status, and ease of use. To determine the role of virus-contaminated hands in disease transmission, an enhanced understanding of buffer and method performance for Φ6 recovery needs to be determined. Four buffer types and three methodologies were investigated for the recovery of Φ6 from human fingerpads over a 30 min duration. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), PBS + 0.1 % Tween, 0.1 M glycine + 3% beef extract, and viral transport medium were evaluated as buffers for recovery of Φ6 via a dish, modified glove juice, and vigorous swabbing method. Φ6 concentrations on fingerpads were determined at 0-, 5-, 10-, and 30-min post-inoculation. While there were observed differences in virus recovery across buffer and method types depending on the time point, log PFU recovery based on buffer type or methodology was not significantly different at any time point (P > 0.05). The results presented in this study will allow for future work on Φ6 persistence, transfer between hands and surfaces, and efficacy of hand hygiene methods to be performed using a well-characterized and validated recovery method.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tobin JN, Hower S, D’Orazio BM, Pardos de la Gándara M, Evering TH, Khalida C, Ramachandran J, González LJ, Kost RG, Vasquez KS, de Lencastre H, Tomasz A, Coller BS, Vaughan R. Comparative Effectiveness Study of Home-Based Interventions to Prevent CA-MRSA Infection Recurrence. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091105. [PMID: 34572687 PMCID: PMC8465828 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) caused by Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) or Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MSSA) present treatment challenges. This community-based trial examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention (CDC Guidelines, topical decolonization, surface decontamination) to reduce SSTI recurrence, mitigate household contamination/transmission, and improve patient-reported outcomes. Participants (n = 186) were individuals with confirmed MRSA(+)/MSSA(+) SSTIs and their household members. During home visits; Community Health Workers/Promotoras provided hygiene instructions; a five-day supply of nasal mupirocin; chlorhexidine for body cleansing; and household disinfecting wipes (Experimental; EXP) or Usual Care Control (UC CON) pamphlets. Primary outcome was six-month SSTI recurrence from electronic health records (EHR). Home visits (months 0; 3) and telephone assessments (months 0; 1; 6) collected self-report data. Index patients and participating household members provided surveillance culture swabs. Secondary outcomes included household surface contamination; household member colonization and transmission; quality of life; and satisfaction with care. There were no significant differences in SSTI recurrence between EXP and UC in the intent-to-treat cohort (n = 186) or the enrolled cohort (n = 119). EXP participants showed reduced but non-significant colonization rates. EXP and UC did not differ in household member transmission, contaminated surfaces, or patient-reported outcomes. This intervention did not reduce clinician-reported MRSA/MSSA SSTI recurrence. Taken together with other recent studies that employed more intensive decolonization protocols, it is possible that a promotora-delivered intervention instructing treatment for a longer or repetitive duration may be effective and should be examined by future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N. Tobin
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc. (CDN), New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.H.); (B.M.D.); (C.K.); (J.R.); (L.J.G.)
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(212)-382-0699
| | - Suzanne Hower
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc. (CDN), New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.H.); (B.M.D.); (C.K.); (J.R.); (L.J.G.)
| | - Brianna M. D’Orazio
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc. (CDN), New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.H.); (B.M.D.); (C.K.); (J.R.); (L.J.G.)
| | - María Pardos de la Gándara
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
- Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Teresa H. Evering
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chamanara Khalida
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc. (CDN), New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.H.); (B.M.D.); (C.K.); (J.R.); (L.J.G.)
| | - Jessica Ramachandran
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc. (CDN), New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.H.); (B.M.D.); (C.K.); (J.R.); (L.J.G.)
- Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York City Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Leidy Johana González
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc. (CDN), New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.H.); (B.M.D.); (C.K.); (J.R.); (L.J.G.)
- Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York City Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rhonda G. Kost
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
| | - Kimberly S. Vasquez
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
| | - Hermínia de Lencastre
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (H.d.L.); (A.T.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB/UNL), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Alexander Tomasz
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (H.d.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Barry S. Coller
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
| | - Roger Vaughan
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (M.P.d.l.G.); (T.H.E.); (R.G.K.); (K.S.V.); (B.S.C.); (R.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cutts TA, Kasloff SB, Krishnan J, Nims RW, Theriault SS, Rubino JR, Ijaz MK. Comparison of the Efficacy of Disinfectant Pre-impregnated Wipes for Decontaminating Stainless Steel Carriers Experimentally Inoculated With Ebola Virus and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. Front Public Health 2021; 9:657443. [PMID: 34447735 PMCID: PMC8383043 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.657443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors evaluated four disinfectant pre-impregnated wipes (DPW) for efficacy against Ebola virus Makona variant (EBOV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Indiana serotype. Steel carriers were inoculated with the infectious virus and then were wiped with DPW in the Wiperator instrument per ASTM E2967-15. Following the use of J-Cloth impregnated with medium (negative control wipes) or the use of activated hydrogen peroxide (AHP)-, ethanol-, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-, or single or dual quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based DPW, virus recovery from the carriers was assayed by titration assay and by two passages on Vero E6 cells in 6-well plates. The Wiperator also enabled the measurement of potential transfer of the virus from the inoculated carrier to a secondary carrier by the DPW or control wipes. The J-Cloth wipes wetted with medium alone (no microbicidal active) removed 1.9–3.5 log10 of virus from inoculated carriers but transferred ~4 log10 of the wiped virus to secondary carriers. DPW containing AHP, ethanol, NaOCl, or single or dual QAC as active microbicidal ingredients removed/inactivated ~6 log10 of the virus, with minimal EBOV or no VSV virus transfer to a secondary surface observed. In Ebola virus outbreaks, a DPW with demonstrated virucidal efficacy, used as directed, may help to mitigate the unintended spread of the infectious virus while performing surface cleaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Cutts
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Samantha B Kasloff
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jay Krishnan
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Raymond W Nims
- RMC Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc., Longmont, CO, United States
| | - Steven S Theriault
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Joseph R Rubino
- Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Montvale, NJ, United States
| | - M Khalid Ijaz
- Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Montvale, NJ, United States.,Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Di Battista A, Nicolaides C, Georgiou O. Modelling disease transmission from touchscreen user interfaces. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210625. [PMID: 34350020 PMCID: PMC8316822 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of touchscreens for all manner of human-computer interactions has made them plausible instruments of touch-mediated disease transmission. To that end, we employ stochastic simulations to model human-fomite interaction with a distinct focus on touchscreen interfaces. The timings and frequency of interactions from within a closed population of infectious and susceptible individuals was modelled using a queuing network. A pseudo-reproductive number R was used to compare outcomes under various parameter conditions. We then apply the simulation to a specific real-world scenario; namely that of airport self-check-in and baggage drop. A counterintuitive result was that R decreased with increased touch rates required for touchscreen interaction. Additionally, as one of few parameters to be controlled, the rate of cleaning/disinfecting screens plays an essential role in mitigating R, though alternative technological strategies could prove more effective. The simulation model developed provides a foundation for future advances in more sophisticated fomite disease-transmission modelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos Nicolaides
- School of Economics and Management, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Nireas Research Center, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Initiative on the Digital Economy, MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Orestis Georgiou
- Ultraleap Ltd, Bristol, UK
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boyce JM. A review of wipes used to disinfect hard surfaces in health care facilities. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:104-114. [PMID: 32569612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a plethora of wipes available for use in health care facilities, there is a paucity of articles describing wipe composition, potential interactions between wipes and disinfectants, the manner in which wipes are used, and their relative efficacy. The purpose of this article is to provide an in-depth review of wipes used for disinfection of hard surfaces in health care settings. METHODS Comprehensive searches of the Pubmed database and Internet were conducted, and articles published from 1953 through September 2019 and pertinent on-line documents were reviewed. Bibliographies of relevant articles were reviewed. RESULTS Wipes vary considerably in their composition, and the disinfectants with which they are used. With reusable dry wipes, the ratio of wipe material to disinfectant and the amount of disinfectant absorbed by the wipe and delivered to surfaces is difficult to standardize, which may affect their efficacy. The manner in which wipes are used by health care personnel is highly variable, due in part to insufficient instructions for use and inadequate education of relevant personnel. CONCLUSIONS Additional research is needed regarding the best practices for using different types of wipes, improved methods for educating staff, and establishing the relative efficacy of wipes in reducing environmental contamination and health care-associated infections.
Collapse
|
10
|
Nkemngong CA, Chaggar GK, Li X, Teska PJ, Oliver HF. Disinfectant wipes transfer Clostridioides difficile spores from contaminated surfaces to uncontaminated surfaces during the disinfection process. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:176. [PMID: 33148316 PMCID: PMC7641809 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00844-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-wetted disinfectant wipes are increasingly being used in healthcare facilities to help address the risk of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). However, HAIs are still a major problem in the US with Clostridioides difficile being the most common cause, leading to approximately 12,800 deaths annually in the US. An underexplored risk when using disinfectant wipes is that they may cross-contaminate uncontaminated surfaces during the wiping process. The objective of this study was to determine the cross-contamination risk that pre-wetted disinfectant towelettes may pose when challenged with C. difficile spores. We hypothesized that although the tested disinfectant wipes had no sporicidal claims, they will reduce spore loads. We also hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide disinfectant towelettes would present a lower cross-contamination risk than quaternary ammonium products. METHODS We evaluated the risk of cross-contamination when disinfectant wipes are challenged with C. difficile ATCC 43598 spores on Formica surfaces. A disinfectant wipe was used to wipe a Formica sheet inoculated with C. difficile. After the wiping process, we determined log10 CFU on previously uncontaminated pre-determined distances from the inoculation point and on the used wipes. RESULTS We found that the disinfectant wipes transferred C. difficile spores from inoculated surfaces to previously uncontaminated surfaces. We also found that wipes physically removed C. difficile spores and that hydrogen peroxide disinfectants were more sporicidal than the quaternary ammonium disinfectants. CONCLUSION Regardless of the product type, all disinfectant wipes had some sporicidal effect but transferred C. difficile spores from contaminated to otherwise previously uncontaminated surfaces. Disinfectant wipes retain C. difficile spores during and after the wiping process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carine A. Nkemngong
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Gurpreet K. Chaggar
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | | | | | - Haley F. Oliver
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cutts TA, Robertson C, Theriault SS, Nims RW, Kasloff SB, Rubino JR, Ijaz MK. Assessing the Contributions of Inactivation, Removal, and Transfer of Ebola Virus and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus by Disinfectant Pre-soaked Wipes. Front Public Health 2020; 8:183. [PMID: 32582604 PMCID: PMC7280553 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Disinfectant pre-soaked wipes (DPW) containing activated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) or quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) were tested using ASTM E2967-15 to determine removal, transfer, and inactivation of Ebola virus Makona variant (EBOV/Mak) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) from contaminated stainless steel prototypic environmental surfaces. The infectious virus-contaminated carriers were subjected to wiping in the Wiperator per the standard. Following the use of negative control (J-Cloth)-, AHP-, or QAC-based wipes, recovery of residual infectious virus was assayed. In the case of the J-Cloth wipes (negative control), although removal of virus from inoculated carriers was extensive i.e., ~99% (1.9–3.5 log10) transfer of virus by these wipes to a secondary surface amounted to ≤ 2% (~3.8 log10) of the initial virus load. In the case of each DPW, >6 log10 removal/inactivation of virus was observed, with limited (EBOV/Mak) or no (VSV) virus transfer observed. The efficacy of wipes for decontaminating high-touch environmental surfaces spiked with EBOV/Mak or VSV is discussed. In summary, removal of EBOV/Mak and VSV using wipes was extensive in this study. In the absence of a sufficient concentration and contact time of an appropriate microbicidal active in DPW (such as the AHP- and QAC-based DPW tested), transfer of a low, albeit significant (from an infectious unit/infectious dose perspective), quantity of infectious virus from the inoculated surface to a secondary surface was observed. In the case of Ebola virus, it is essential that a DPW with an appropriate microbicidal active, following the appropriate contact time, be used to prevent unintended transfer of infectious virus to a clean secondary surface (as observed in negative control /J-Cloth). Otherwise, there exists the possibility of dissemination of Ebola virus and the associated risk of transmission of Ebola virus disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Cutts
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Catherine Robertson
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Steven S Theriault
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Raymond W Nims
- RMC Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc., Longmont, CO, United States
| | - Samantha B Kasloff
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Joseph R Rubino
- Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Montvale, NJ, United States
| | - M Khalid Ijaz
- Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Montvale, NJ, United States.,Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shaban RZ, Sotomayor-Castillo CF, Malik J, Li C. Global commercial passenger airlines and travel health information regarding infection control and the prevention of infectious disease: What's in a website? Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 33:101528. [PMID: 31760126 PMCID: PMC7110852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air travel has never been easier, cheaper or faster, with large volumes of people travelling around the world. These factors increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases by air travel. Little is known, however, about the extent to which airlines provide information to passengers on infection control and measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This study examined the websites of the global commercial passenger airlines to see if they contained information about infection control and prevention of infectious diseases and appraised the clinical usefulness of that information. METHOD A cross-sectional text-based analysis of the 73 airline websites from the six global commercial passenger airline conglomerates was performed to identify information about infection control and prevention of infectious between July and August 2019. RESULTS Of the 73 airline websites, less than half (n = 35, 28.6%) contained information deemed useful for passengers. While there was a range of general health advice within the websites, there was limited information about infection control and preventing infectious diseases. A minority of websites contained information about vaccination status prior to travel, and to a lesser extent handwashing and hand hygiene, with very few including disease-specific advice or preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS Airline websites are an underutilised source of information for infection control and the prevention of infectious diseases. Providing passengers with information on basic infection control and prevention measures may support the global efforts against the spread of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Z Shaban
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Westmead Hospital and the Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Cristina F Sotomayor-Castillo
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Westmead Hospital and the Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jeremy Malik
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Cecilia Li
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Westmead Hospital and the Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bactericidal Activity of Ready-To-Use Alcohol-Based Commercial Wipes According to EN 16615 Carrier Standard. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183475. [PMID: 31540503 PMCID: PMC6766060 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of ready-to-use disinfectant wipes was previously assessed in standardized suspension tests, which were inadequate because they ignored that the wipes are rubbed against a surface. Thus, we assessed the effectiveness of commercially available disinfectant wipes impregnated with an alcoholic solution according to the 16615 standard, which includes a test with mechanical action. Methods: According to the EN 16615 standard, under clean conditions, four squares (5 cm × 5 cm), placed next to one another, were marked on a test surface. Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were inoculated on the leftmost square, and a wipe impregnated with an alcoholic solution was placed to the left of that square. Then, the wipe was pressed with a 2.5 kg weight and moved to the right and back to the left. After contact times of 1, 5, 10, or 15 min, we measured the reduction in bacterial load. Results: Alcohol-based ready-to-use commercial wipes did not show sufficient bactericidal activity at the contact times of 1, 5, 10 and 15 min. Wipes containing propan-1-ol and a mixture of propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the contact times of 1 min and 15 min. None of the examined wipes were active against Enterococcus hirae or Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Bactericidal parameters of ready-to-use disinfectant wipes should be determined in surface tests, in addition to suspension tests, because suspension tests do not simulate the conditions under which disinfectant wipes are used in practice.
Collapse
|
14
|
Song X, Vossebein L, Zille A. Efficacy of disinfectant-impregnated wipes used for surface disinfection in hospitals: a review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2019; 8:139. [PMID: 31452873 PMCID: PMC6701098 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background "Ready-to-use" disinfecting wipes (also known as pre-impregnated disinfecting wipe) are broadly used in food industry and domestic situations. Their application in hospitals and healthcare centres for decontamination of medical devices and surfaces is steadily increasing because of their convenient implementation in practice and reliable performance. Beside their acceptable compliance and easy application, literature reported the disinfection failure due to the interaction between textile substrate and active ingredients, which can highly increase the risk of an infection outbreak. This review aims to call attention to the wide range of variables affecting the disinfectant-impregnated wipes' (DIWs) disinfection performances in hospitals. Methods A systematic literature search based on the five categories i. wipes, ii. disinfectants, iii. Application methods, iv. interaction between wipes and active ingredients and v. wiping strategy which can possibly influence the disinfection effectiveness of DIWs was conducted by Google scholar. Studies regarding the efficacy evaluation of DIWs in clinical applications were also reviewed from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database. Results Variables that impact on the disinfection performance of disinfectant-impregnated wipes in surface disinfection in hospitals were summarised and critically discussed. In addition to the information, current disinfectant-impregnated wipes' decontamination efficacy test standards were reviewed, and different standards exposed some disadvantage in their testing design. Conclusion Various parameters contribute to the impact of DIWs disinfection performance in practice. The interaction between disinfectant active ingredients and the wiping materials barricades their broad application in hospitals. More studies of the DIWs' disinfection efficacy in clinical practice are in need. Current standards evaluating the DIWs' efficacy are required to improve for more realistic condition simulation and differentiating between mechanical removal of inoculum from a surface and chemical inactivation of the test microbe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Song
- 2C2T – Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Lutz Vossebein
- Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Webschulstrasse 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Andrea Zille
- 2C2T – Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Stephens B, Azimi P, Thoemmes MS, Heidarinejad M, Allen JG, Gilbert JA. Microbial Exchange via Fomites and Implications for Human Health. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2019; 5:198-213. [PMID: 34171005 PMCID: PMC7149182 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-019-00123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fomites are inanimate objects that become colonized with microbes and serve as potential intermediaries for transmission to/from humans. This review summarizes recent literature on fomite contamination and microbial survival in the built environment, transmission between fomites and humans, and implications for human health. RECENT FINDINGS Applications of molecular sequencing techniques to analyze microbial samples have increased our understanding of the microbial diversity that exists in the built environment. This growing body of research has established that microbial communities on surfaces include substantial diversity, with considerable dynamics. While many microbial taxa likely die or lay dormant, some organisms survive, including those that are potentially beneficial, benign, or pathogenic. Surface characteristics also influence microbial survival and rates of transfer to and from humans. Recent research has combined experimental data, mechanistic modeling, and epidemiological approaches to shed light on the likely contributors to microbial exchange between fomites and humans and their contributions to adverse (and even potentially beneficial) human health outcomes. SUMMARY In addition to concerns for fomite transmission of potential pathogens, new analytical tools have uncovered other microbial matters that can be transmitted indirectly via fomites, including entire microbial communities and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Mathematical models and epidemiological approaches can provide insight on human health implications. However, both are subject to limitations associated with study design, and there is a need to better understand appropriate input model parameters. Fomites remain an important mechanism of transmission of many microbes, along with direct contact and short- and long-range aerosols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brent Stephens
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Alumni Memorial Hall 228E, 3201 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616 USA
| | - Parham Azimi
- Environmental Health Department, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Megan S. Thoemmes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Mohammad Heidarinejad
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Alumni Memorial Hall 228E, 3201 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616 USA
| | - Joseph G. Allen
- Environmental Health Department, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jack A. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang N, Li Y, Huang H. Surface touch and its network growth in a graduate student office. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:963-972. [PMID: 30178613 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fomites transmit infection. A key question is how surface contamination in a building is spread by human touch. Using video cameras, we collected more than 120 000 touch actions from 60 hours of high-resolution data on surface touch across five typical weekdays in a graduate student office. The students touched surfaces with one or both hands during 94.6% of the observed period. On average, each student made five touches per minute, with an average duration of 22 seconds per touch. High-touch and high-risk surfaces and people were identified. 98.8% of the surfaces touched, such as mobile phones and human faces, were private, but public surfaces, such as a water dispenser button, were touched by 68% of the students in the office on average. Compared with females, males spent 3% more time touching surfaces. Right hands always had higher touch frequency than left hands. The surface network in the office was scale-free, whereas the hand network was small-world. The results revealed power law and logistic growth in the number of contaminated surfaces which suggests that fomite transmission can be extremely effective. The time taken for most surfaces to be contaminated after one surface became contaminated was much shorter for public than for private surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Institute of Public Safety Research, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Transfer of Enteric Viruses Adenovirus and Coxsackievirus and Bacteriophage MS2 from Liquid to Human Skin. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01809-18. [PMID: 30217840 PMCID: PMC6210118 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01809-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric viruses (viruses that infect the gastrointestinal tract) are responsible for most water-transmitted diseases. They are shed in high concentrations in the feces of infected individuals, persist for an extended period of time in water, and are highly infective. Exposure to contaminated water directly (through ingestion) or indirectly (for example, through hand-water contacts followed by hand-to-mouth contacts) increases the risk of virus transmission. The work described herein provides a quantitative model for estimating human-pathogenic virus retention on skin following contact with contaminated water. The work will be important in refining the contribution of indirect transmission of virus to risks associated with water-related activities. Indirect exposure to waterborne viruses increases the risk of infection, especially among children with frequent hand-to-mouth contacts. Here, we quantified the transfer of one bacteriophage (MS2) and two enteric viruses (adenovirus and coxsackievirus) from liquid to skin. MS2, a commonly used enteric virus surrogate, was used to compare virus transfer rates in a volunteer trial to those obtained using human cadaver skin and synthetic skin. MS2 transfer to volunteer skin was similar to transfer to cadaver skin but significantly different from transfer to synthetic skin. The transfer of MS2, adenovirus, and coxsackievirus to cadaver skin was modeled using measurements for viruses attaching to the skin (adsorbed) and viruses in liquid residual on skin (unadsorbed). We find virus transfer per surface area is a function of the concentration of virus in the liquid and the film thickness of liquid retained on the skin and is estimable using a linear model. Notably, the amount of MS2 adsorbed on the skin was on average 5 times higher than the amount of adenovirus and 4 times higher than the amount of coxsackievirus. Quantification of pathogenic virus retention to skin would thus be overestimated using MS2 adsorption data. This study provides models of virus transfer useful for risk assessments of water-related activities, demonstrates significant differences in the transfer of pathogenic virus and MS2, and suggests cadaver skin as an alternative testing system for studying interactions between viruses and skin. IMPORTANCE Enteric viruses (viruses that infect the gastrointestinal tract) are responsible for most water-transmitted diseases. They are shed in high concentrations in the feces of infected individuals, persist for an extended period of time in water, and are highly infective. Exposure to contaminated water directly (through ingestion) or indirectly (for example, through hand-water contacts followed by hand-to-mouth contacts) increases the risk of virus transmission. The work described herein provides a quantitative model for estimating human-pathogenic virus retention on skin following contact with contaminated water. The work will be important in refining the contribution of indirect transmission of virus to risks associated with water-related activities.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dai D, Prussin AJ, Marr LC, Vikesland PJ, Edwards MA, Pruden A. Factors Shaping the Human Exposome in the Built Environment: Opportunities for Engineering Control. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:7759-7774. [PMID: 28677960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The "exposome" is a term describing the summation of one's lifetime exposure to microbes and chemicals. Such exposures are now recognized as major drivers of human health and disease. Because humans spend ∼90% of their time indoors, the built environment exposome merits particular attention. Herein we utilize an engineering perspective to advance understanding of the factors that shape the built environment exposome and its influence on human wellness and disease, while simultaneously informing development of a framework for intentionally controlling the exposome to protect public health. Historically, engineers have been focused on controlling chemical and physical contaminants and on eradicating microbes; however, there is a growing awareness of the role of "beneficial" microbes. Here we consider the potential to selectively control the materials and chemistry of the built environment to positively influence the microbial and chemical components of the indoor exposome. Finally, we discuss research gaps that must be addressed to enable intentional engineering design, including the need to define a "healthy" built environment exposome and how to control it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongjuan Dai
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Aaron J Prussin
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Linsey C Marr
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Peter J Vikesland
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Marc A Edwards
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Amy Pruden
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Reynolds KA, Beamer PI, Plotkin KR, Sifuentes LY, Koenig DW, Gerba CP. The healthy workplace project: Reduced viral exposure in an office setting. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2016; 71:157-62. [PMID: 26066784 PMCID: PMC4676746 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2015.1058234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Viral illnesses such as gastroenteritis and the common cold create a substantial burden in the workplace due to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased health care costs. Behaviors in the workplace contribute to the spread of human viruses via direct contact between hands, contaminated surfaces, and the mouth, eyes, and/or nose. This study assessed whether implementation of the Healthy Workplace Project (HWP) (providing hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, facial tissues, and use instructions) would reduce viral loads in an office setting of approximately 80 employees after seeding fomites and the hands of volunteer participants with an MS-2 phage tracer. The HWP significantly reduced viable phage detected on participants' hands, communal fomites, and personal fomites (p ≤ .010) in office environments and presents a cost-effective method for reducing the health and economic burden associated with viral illnesses in the workplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Reynolds
- Environmental Health Sciences. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Paloma I. Beamer
- Environmental Health Sciences. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Kevin R. Plotkin
- Environmental Health Sciences. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Laura Y. Sifuentes
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - David W. Koenig
- Corporate Research & Engineering, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, P.O. Box 349 Neenah, WI 54957 USA
| | - Charles P. Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pillet S, Berthelot P, Gagneux-Brunon A, Mory O, Gay C, Viallon A, Lucht F, Pozzetto B, Botelho-Nevers E. Contamination of healthcare workers' mobile phones by epidemic viruses. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 22:456.e1-6. [PMID: 26713553 PMCID: PMC7129817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mobile phones (MPs) are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria, but few data are available concerning viruses. We aimed to evaluate the presence of virus RNA from epidemic viruses including metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses, rotavirus (RV) and norovirus on the MPs used by healthcare workers (HCWs) and to relate it to hygiene measures. An anonymous behavioural questionnaire about MP use at hospital was administered to the HCWs of four adult and paediatric departments of a university hospital. After sampling personal (PMP) and/or professional MPs (digital enhanced cordless telephone, DECT), virus RNAs were extracted and amplified by one-step real-time reverse transcription–quantitative PCR. The molecular results were analysed in a masked manner in relation to the behavioural survey. Questionnaires from 114 HCWs (35 senior physicians, 30 residents, 32 nurses, 27 nurses' assistants) working either in adult (n = 58) or paediatric (n = 56) departments were analysed. Medical personnel used their PMP more frequently than paramedical HCWs (33/65 vs. 10/59, p <0.001). MPs were used during care more frequently in adult wards than in paediatric ones (46/58 vs. 27/56, p <0.001). Virus RNA was detected on 42/109 (38.5%) collected MPs, with RV found on 39, respiratory syncytial virus on three and metapneumovirus on one. The presence of virus RNA was significantly associated with MPs from the paediatric HCWs (p <0.001). MPs routinely used in hospital, even during care, can host virus RNA, especially RV. Promotion of frequent hand hygiene before and after MP use, along with frequent cleaning of MPs, should be encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pillet
- GIMAP EA 3064 (Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes), University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France; Laboratory of Infectious Agents and Hygiene, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - P Berthelot
- GIMAP EA 3064 (Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes), University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France; Laboratory of Infectious Agents and Hygiene, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France; Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - A Gagneux-Brunon
- GIMAP EA 3064 (Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes), University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France; Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - O Mory
- Paediatric Emergency Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - C Gay
- Paediatric Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - A Viallon
- Adult Emergency Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - F Lucht
- GIMAP EA 3064 (Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes), University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France; Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - B Pozzetto
- GIMAP EA 3064 (Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes), University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France; Laboratory of Infectious Agents and Hygiene, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - E Botelho-Nevers
- GIMAP EA 3064 (Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes), University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France; Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ramm L, Siani H, Wesgate R, Maillard JY. Pathogen transfer and high variability in pathogen removal by detergent wipes. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:724-8. [PMID: 25997876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rise in health care-associated infections has placed a greater emphasis on cleaning and disinfection practices. The majority of policies advocate using detergent-based products for routine cleaning, with detergent wipes increasingly being used; however, there is no information about their ability to remove and subsequently transfer pathogens in practice. METHODS Seven detergent wipes were tested for their ability to remove and transfer Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Clostridium difficile spores using the 3-stage wipe protocol. RESULTS The ability of the detergent wipes to remove S aureus, A baumannii, and C difficile spores from a stainless steel surface ranged from 1.50 log10 (range, 0.24-3.25), 3.51 log10 (range, 3.01-3.81), and 0.96 log10 (range, 0.26-1.44), respectively, following a 10-second wiping time. All wipes repeatedly transferred significant amounts of bacteria/spores over 3 consecutive surfaces, although the percentage of total microorganisms transferred from the wipes after wiping was low for a number of products. CONCLUSIONS Detergent-based wipe products have 2 major drawbacks: their variability in removing microbial bioburden from inanimate surfaces and a propensity to transfer pathogens between surfaces. The use of additional complementary measures such as combined detergent/disinfectant-based products and/or antimicrobial surfaces need to be considered for appropriate infection control and prevention.
Collapse
|
22
|
Sassi HP, Sifuentes LY, Koenig DW, Nichols E, Clark-Greuel J, Wong LF, McGrath K, Gerba CP, Reynolds KA. Control of the spread of viruses in a long-term care facility using hygiene protocols. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:702-6. [PMID: 25944726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 50% of norovirus cases in the United States occur in long-term care facilities; many incidences of rotavirus, sapovirus, and adenovirus also occur. The primary objectives of this study were to demonstrate movement of pathogenic viruses through a long-term care facility and to determine the impact of a hygiene intervention on viral transmission. METHODS The coliphage MS-2 was seeded onto a staff member's hands, and samples were collected after 4 hours from fomites and hands. After 3 consecutive days of sample collection, a 14-day hygiene intervention was implemented. Hand sanitizers, hand and face wipes, antiviral tissues, and a disinfectant spray were distributed to employees and residents. Seeding and sampling were repeated postintervention. RESULTS Analysis of the pre- and postintervention data was performed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significant reductions in the spread of MS-2 on hands (P = .0002) and fomites (P = .04) were observed postintervention, with a >99% average reduction of virus recovered from both hands and fomites. CONCLUSION Although MS-2 spread readily from hands to fomites and vice versa, the intervention reduced average MS-2 concentrations recovered from hands and fomites by up to 4 logs and also reduced the incidence of MS-2 recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah P Sassi
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Laura Y Sifuentes
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.
| | - David W Koenig
- Corporate Research and Engineering, Kimberly-Clark Corp, Neenah, WI
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles P Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Valdez MK, Sexton JD, Lutz EA, Reynolds KA. Spread of infectious microbes during emergency medical response. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:606-11. [PMID: 26042849 PMCID: PMC7115268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background To our knowledge, no studies to date demonstrate potential spread of microbes during actual emergency medical service (EMS) activities. Our study introduces a novel approach to identification of contributors to EMS environment contamination and development of infection control strategies, using a bacteriophage surrogate for pathogenic organisms. Methods Bacteriophage ΦX174 was used to trace cross-contamination and evaluate current disinfection practices and a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) wipe intervention within emergency response vehicles. Prior to EMS calls, 2 surfaces were seeded with ΦX174. On call completion, EMS vehicle and equipment surfaces were sampled before decontamination, after decontamination per current practices, and after implementation of the intervention. Results Current decontamination practices did not significantly reduce viral loads on surfaces (P = .3113), but H2O2 wipe intervention did (P = .0065). Bacteriophage spread to 56% (27/48) of sites and was reduced to 54% (26/48) and 40% (19/48) with current decontamination practices and intervention practices, respectively. Conclusion Results suggest firefighters' hands were the main vehicles of microbial transfer. Current practices were not consistently applied or standardized and minimally reduced prevalence and quantity of microbial contamination on EMS surfaces. Although use of a consistent protocol of H2O2 wipes significantly reduced percent prevalence and concentration of viruses, training and promotion of surface disinfection should be provided. We use bacteriophage as a human pathogen surrogate to trace surface transfer during emergency medical service calls. We quantify efficacy of current decontamination practice and hydrogen peroxide wipe intervention. Cross-contamination of emergency vehicle sites in 100% (15/15) of emergency medical service calls. Viral loads of seeded sites were not significantly reduced by current decontamination practices. Hydrogen peroxide wipe intervention significantly reduced viral loads on surfaces.
Collapse
|
24
|
Lopez GU, Kitajima M, Sherchan SP, Sexton JD, Sifuentes LY, Gerba CP, Reynolds KA. Impact of disinfectant wipes on the risk of Campylobacter jejuni infection during raw chicken preparation in domestic kitchens. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:245-52. [PMID: 25939813 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In the present study, we conducted a quantitative microbial risk assessment forecasting the exposure to Campylobacter jejuni contaminated surfaces during preparation of chicken fillets and how using a disinfectant-wipe intervention to clean a contaminated work area decreases the risk of infection following the preparation of raw chicken fillet in a domestic kitchen. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a Monte Carlo simulation of the risk of transferring Camp. jejuni strain A3249, from various surfaces to hands and subsequently transferring it to the mouth was forecasted. The use of a disinfectant-wipe intervention to disinfect contaminated surface area was also assessed. Several assumptions were used as input parameters in the classical Beta-Poisson model to determine the risk of infection. The disinfectant-wipe intervention reduced the risk of Camp. jejuni infection by 2-3 orders on all fomites. CONCLUSIONS The use of disinfectant wipes after the preparation of raw chicken meat reduces the risk of Camp. jejuni infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This risk assessment shows that the use of disinfectant wipes to decontaminate surface areas after chicken preparation reduces the annual risk of Camp. jejuni infections up to 99·2%, reducing the risk from 2 : 10 to 2 : 1000.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G U Lopez
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - M Kitajima
- Center for Environmental Sensing and Modeling, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - S P Sherchan
- Department of Public Health, California State University-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - J D Sexton
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - L Y Sifuentes
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - C P Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - K A Reynolds
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|