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Pérez-Díaz JL, Martín-Pérez T, Del Álamo C, Sánchez-García-Casarrubios J, Copa-Patiño JL, Soliveri J, Orellana-Muriana JM, Pérez-Serrano J, Llerena-Aguilar FJ. Optimal Fast Integral Decontamination of Bacillus thuringiensis Aerosols and Fast Disinfection of Contaminated Surfaces. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041021. [PMID: 37110444 PMCID: PMC10143539 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aerosolized anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores are of extreme health concern and can remain airborne for hours and contaminate all kinds of surfaces, constituting reservoirs from which resuspension is easily produced. The assessment of decontamination techniques must therefore consider both air and surfaces. In the present study, several kinds of disinfecting fogs were experimentally tested against Bacillus thuringiensis spores, which served as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, both as aerosols released into the air and spread on porous and non-porous surfaces with different positions and orientations. This technology removed Bacillus thuringiensis spores from the air in 20 min with just a 1 min application of fog. The dynamics and characteristics of the fog, related to aerosol and surface interactions, proved to be critical for optimal performance and decontamination. An optimal configuration could provide effective disinfection even on indirectly reached surfaces. In all cases, 8% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) provided a higher disinfection rate than 2% glutaraldehyde.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Pérez-Díaz
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Tania Martín-Pérez
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Cristina Del Álamo
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | | | - José Luis Copa-Patiño
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Juan Soliveri
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Pérez-Serrano
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Mocho JP, Coutot R, Douglas M, Szpiro L, Bouchami D, Durimel L, Moulès V, Hardy P. Assessment of Microbial Reduction by Cage Washing and Thermal Disinfection using Quantitative Biologic Indicators for Spores, Viruses and Vegetative Bacteria. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021; 60:529-538. [PMID: 34416928 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-21-000026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Cage washing is a key process of the biosecurity program in rodent facilities. For the current study, we developed systems (i. e., magnet attachments, quantitative biologic indicators (Q-BI), and measurement of thermal disinfection at equipment level) to assess the microbial decontamination achieved by a rodent equipment washer with and without thermal disinfection. 99% of the magnets remained in position to hold Q-BI and temperature probes inside cages, water bottles or at equipment level across a cabinet washer chamber with loads dedicated to either housing or drinking devices. Various types of Q-BI for Bacillus atrophaeus, Enterococcus hirae and minute virus of mice were tested. To simulate potential interference from biologic material and animal waste during cage processing, Q-BI contained test soil: bovine serum albumin with or without feces. As a quantitative indicator of microbial decontamination, the reduction factor was calculated by comparing microbial load of processed Q-BI with unprocessed controls. We detected variation between Q-BI types and assessed the washer's ability to reduce microbial load on equipment. Reduction factor results were consistent with the Q-BI type and showed that the washing and thermal disinfection cycle could reduce loads of vegetative bacteria, virus and spore by 5 log10 CFU/TCID50 and beyond. Thermal disinfection was monitored with temperature probes linked to data loggers recording live. We measured the period of exposure to temperatures above 82.2 °C, to calculate A0, the theoretical indicator for microbial lethality by thermal disinfection, and to assess whether the cabinet washer could pass the minimum quality standard of A0 = 600. Temperature curves showed an A0 > 1000 consistently across all processed equipment during thermal disinfection. These data suggest that, when sterilization is not required, a cabinet washer with thermal disinfection could replace an autoclave and reduce environmental and financial waste.
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Kümin D, Albert MG, Weber B, Summermatter K. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation, Part 2: Verifying and Validating Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation Cycles. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1535676020921099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Part 1 of this two-part series describes the use of hydrogen peroxide as a fumigant and compares it with other fumigants on the market. Technical requirements are outlined while considering physical and biological limitations of the system. This second part focuses primarily on the use of process controls to verify and validate hydrogen peroxide fumigations. Finally, a model encompassing the entire fumigation process is presented. Methods: Part 2 of the series focuses on the authors’ long-time personal experiences in room and filter fumigation using various fumigation systems and is supplemented with relevant literature searches. Results: The reader is introduced to the planning and implementation of fumigation process validations. Biological indicators help users develop safe and efficient processes. Chemical indicators can be used as process controls, while measuring physical parameters will help avoid condensation of hydrogen peroxide. How many biological and chemical indicators and what type should be applied for cycle development are additionally explained. Discussion: It is important to consider numerous technical requirements when planning to implement hydrogen peroxide fumigation at an institution. Also, considerable thought needs to go into the verification and validation of the fumigation process. Conclusions: Part 1 of this series presents an overview of different fumigation systems based on hydrogen peroxide on the market and their technical requirements. Part 2 focuses on validation and verification of hydrogen peroxide fumigation while considering the entire fumigation process. The two parts together will serve users as a guide to establishing hydrogen peroxide fumigations at their facilities.
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Tearle J, MacRae G, Andrews S, Clarke A, Stuart J, Tremblay G. Biological Validation and Observations of Formaldehyde Fumigation in Operational and Representative Scenarios in High-Containment Laboratories. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2020; 25:41-47. [DOI: 10.1177/1535676019895084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Coppens F, Willemarck N, Breyer D. Opinion: Airtightness for Decontamination by Fumigation of High-Containment Laboratories. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2019; 24:207-212. [PMID: 36032062 PMCID: PMC9134471 DOI: 10.1177/1535676019871370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the European legislation states that laboratories of high-containment must be sealable for fumigation, they do not prescribe a minimal value for airtightness. Starting from a previous study in which we measured the airtightness in 4 BSL-3 laboratories with blower-door tests, we discuss the connection between airtightness and a successful decontamination by fumigation. METHODS Biological indicators (BIs) consisting of spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus on metal disks were laid out in laboratories of different levels of airtightness before performing a fumigation with aerosolized hydrogen peroxide using an automated device, according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS Incubation of all BI disks placed in the facility with the highest level of airtightness showed complete inactivation of spores. However, in the facility with a lower level of airtightness, not all spores were inactivated. DISCUSSION Air leaks might be a factor in the outcome of the decontamination of a room by fumigation, as seen in the laboratory with a lower level of airtightness, but other factors associated with the fumigation process might also be critical for a successful decontamination. CONCLUSION We argue that a validation of the decontamination procedure, before first use or after important renovations of a laboratory of high-containment, is a more effective endpoint than reaching a predefined level of airtightness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Coppens
- Sciensano, Service Biosafety and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Didier Breyer
- Sciensano, Service Biosafety and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
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Wood JP, Adrion AC. Review of Decontamination Techniques for the Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis and Other Spore-Forming Bacteria Associated with Building or Outdoor Materials. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:4045-4062. [PMID: 30901213 PMCID: PMC6547374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the intentional release of Bacillus anthracis spores through the U.S. Postal Service in the fall of 2001, research and development related to decontamination for this biological agent have increased substantially. This review synthesizes the advances made relative to B. anthracis spore decontamination science and technology since approximately 2002, referencing the open scientific literature and publicly available, well-documented scientific reports. In the process of conducting this review, scientific knowledge gaps have also been identified. This review focuses primarily on techniques that are commercially available and that could potentially be used in the large-scale decontamination of buildings and other structures, as well as outdoor environments. Since 2002, the body of scientific data related to decontamination and microbial sterilization has grown substantially, especially in terms of quantifying decontamination efficacy as a function of several factors. Specifically, progress has been made in understanding how decontaminant chemistry, the materials the microorganisms are associated with, environmental factors, and microbiological methods quantitatively impact spore inactivation. While advancement has been made in the past 15 years to further the state of the science in the inactivation of bacterial spores in a decontamination scenario, further research is warranted to close the scientific gaps that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P. Wood
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Offce of Research and Development, National Homeland Security Research Center, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina United States
- Corresponding Author: Phone: (919) 541-5029;
| | - Alden Charles Adrion
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Offce of Research and Development, National Homeland Security Research Center, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina United States
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Postdoctoral Fellow, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
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Kümin D, Albert MG, Summermatter K. Comparison and Validation of Three Fumigation Methods to Inactivate Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1535676018771982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kümin
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
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