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Mohsin MS, Avdic M, Fitzpatrick K, Lanzarini-Lopes M. UV-C side-emitting optical fiber-based disinfection: a promising approach for infection control in tight channels. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0004024. [PMID: 38687120 PMCID: PMC11237523 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00040-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth of pathogenic bacteria in moist and wet surfaces and tubing of medically relevant devices results in serious infections in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we investigated and demonstrated the successful implementation of a UV-C side-emitting optical fiber in disinfecting medically relevant pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]) within tight channels of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a commonly used material both in point-of-use (POU) water treatment technologies and medical devices (dental unit water line [DUWL], endoscope). For a 1-m-long PTFE channel, up to ≥6 log inactivation was achieved using a 1-m-long UV side-emitting optical fiber (SEOF) with continuous 16-h exposure of low UV-C radiation ranging from ~0.23 to ~29.30 μW/cm2. Furthermore, a linear model was used to calculate the inhibition zone constant (k`), which enables us to establish a correlation between UV dosage and the extent of inactivated surface area (cm2) for surface-bound Escherichia coli on a nutrient-rich medium. The k` value for an irradiance ranging from ~150 to ~271.50 μW/cm2 was calculated to be 0.564 ± 0.6 cm·cm2/mJ. This study demonstrated the efficacy of SEOFs for disinfection of medically relevant microorganisms present in medically and domestically relevant tight channels. The impact of the results in this study extends to the optimization of operational efficiency in pre-existing UV surface disinfection setups that currently operate at UV dosages exceeding the optimal levels.IMPORTANCEGermicidal UV radiation has gained global recognition for its effectiveness in water and surface disinfection. Recently, various works have illustrated the benefit of using UV-C side-emitting optical fibers (SEOFs) for the disinfection of tight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) channels. This study now demonstrates its impact for disinfection of medically relevant organisms and introduces critical design calculations needed for its implementation. The flexible geometry and controlled emission of light in these UV-SEOFs make them ideal for light distribution in tight channels. Moreover, the results presented in this manuscript provide a novel framework that can be employed in various applications, addressing microbial contamination and the disinfection of tight channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salman Mohsin
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melisa Avdic
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katrina Fitzpatrick
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariana Lanzarini-Lopes
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Martins APS, da Mata CPSM, dos Santos UR, de Araújo CA, Leite EMM, de Carvalho LD, Vidigal PG, Vieira CD, dos Santos-Key SG. Association between multidrug-resistant bacteria and outcomes in intensive care unit patients: a non-interventional study. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1297350. [PMID: 38259738 PMCID: PMC10801015 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1297350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In intensive care units (ICUs), infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms should be monitored to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Methods From 2018 to 2020, we investigated all medical records of patients admitted to the ICU of a public university hospital. All patients colonized/infected by MDR microorganisms and submitted to active surveillance cultures (ASCs) were included. Results and discussion Male patients prevailed, and 9.5% were positive for MDR bacteria. In-hospital deaths were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for older patients, patients with orotracheal tube use during previous and current hospitalization, and patients with high blood pressure, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, and chronic kidney disease. Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae was the most frequently resistance profile, followed by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. The diagnosis or evolution of HAIs was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) for patients treated with meropenem and vancomycin, and in-hospital deaths occurred in 29.5% of patients using polypeptides while the use of macrolides reduced the odds for mortality. The BRADEN Scale demonstrated that 50% of the patients were at high risk of dying. Conclusion Patients hospitalized in the ICU, colonized or infected by MDR bacteria, using invasive medical devices, and with underlying medical conditions presented increased mortality rates. The prescription of meropenem and vancomycin should be carefully monitored once patients using these antimicrobials already have or develop an HAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pacheco Silveira Martins
- Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - César Augusto de Araújo
- Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pedro Guatimosim Vidigal
- Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Escola de Medicina, Departmento de Patologia Clínica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cristina Dutra Vieira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Simone Gonçalves dos Santos-Key
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Knobling B, Ulatowski A, Franke G, Belmar Campos C, Büttner H, Klupp EM, Maurer PM, Brill FHH, Knobloch JK. Superiority of manual disinfection using pre-soaked wipes over automatic UV-C radiation without prior cleaning. J Hosp Infect 2023; 140:72-78. [PMID: 37543180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms has been demonstrated in several studies, but differences in the specific doses and the extent of microbial reduction were found. Furthermore, the conditions of laboratory tests differ greatly from reality, such that efficacy achieved in tests may not necessarily be assumed in reality. Consequently, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of UV-C in representative field trials. The aim was therefore to develop and establish a field test to evaluate automatic UV-C in comparison to manual disinfection. METHODS Before and after disinfection, samples were repeatedly collected from naturally highly contaminated surfaces using the swab technique to obtain representative data sets for disinfected and non-disinfected surfaces. Subsequently, the log reduction values (LRV) and the disinfection success were evaluated for UV-C radiation and full compliant manual disinfection using alcohol-based wipes. RESULTS Surfaces that are naturally contaminated with bacteria on a regular and nearly uniform basis have been identified as particularly suitable for field testing. Mean contamination was reduced from 23.3 to 1.98 cfu/cm2 (LRV 0.9) and 29.7 to 0.26 cfu/cm2 (LRV 1.2) for UV-C and manual disinfection, respectively. UV-C disinfection achieved 75.5% successful disinfected surfaces, whereas manual disinfection showed 98.1%. CONCLUSIONS Full compliant manual disinfection showed slightly higher LRVs and disinfection success than automatic UV-C disinfection. Successful, operator-independent UV-C disinfection still has the potential to improve disinfection performance in addition to manual disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Knobling
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Ulatowski
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - G Franke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Belmar Campos
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Büttner
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E M Klupp
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - P M Maurer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F H H Brill
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J K Knobloch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Department Infection Prevention and Control, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Knobling B, Franke G, Carlsen L, Belmar Campos C, Büttner H, Klupp EM, Maurer PM, Knobloch JK. Phenotypic Variation in Clinical S. aureus Isolates Did Not Affect Disinfection Efficacy Using Short-Term UV-C Radiation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1332. [PMID: 37317306 PMCID: PMC10223295 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051332] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigmentation, catalase activity and biofilm formation are virulence factors that cause resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to environmental stress factors including disinfectants. In recent years, automatic UV-C room disinfection gained greater importance in enhanced disinfection procedures to improve disinfection success in hospitals. In this study, we evaluated the effect of naturally occurring variations in the expression of virulence factors in clinical S. aureus isolates on tolerance against UV-C radiation. Quantification of staphyloxanthin expression, catalase activity and biofilm formation for nine genetically different clinical S. aureus isolates as well as reference strain S. aureus ATCC 6538 were performed using methanol extraction, a visual approach assay and a biofilm assay, respectively. Log10 reduction values (LRV) were determined after irradiation of artificially contaminated ceramic tiles with 50 and 22 mJ/cm2 UV-C using a commercial UV-C disinfection robot. A wide variety of virulence factor expression was observed, indicating differential regulation of global regulatory networks. However, no direct correlation with the strength of expression with UV-C tolerance was observed for either staphyloxanthin expression, catalase activity or biofilm formation. All isolates were effectively reduced with LRVs of 4.75 to 5.94. UV-C disinfection seems therefore effective against a wide spectrum of S. aureus strains independent of occurring variations in the expression of the investigated virulence factors. Due to only minor differences, the results of frequently used reference strains seem to be representative also for clinical isolates in S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Johannes K. Knobloch
- Department Infection Prevention and Control, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (B.K.); (L.C.); (P.M.M.)
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Lanrewaju AA, Enitan-Folami AM, Sabiu S, Swalaha FM. A review on disinfection methods for inactivation of waterborne viruses. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:991856. [PMID: 36212890 PMCID: PMC9539188 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.991856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Water contamination is a global health problem, and the need for safe water is ever-growing due to the public health implications of unsafe water. Contaminated water could contain pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that are implicated in several debilitating human diseases. The prevalence and survival of waterborne viruses differ from bacteria and other waterborne microorganisms. In addition, viruses are responsible for more severe waterborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, myocarditis, and encephalitis among others, hence the need for dedicated attention to viral inactivation. Disinfection is vital to water treatment because it removes pathogens, including viruses. The commonly used methods and techniques of disinfection for viral inactivation in water comprise physical disinfection such as membrane filtration, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and conventional chemical processes such as chlorine, monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, and ozone among others. However, the production of disinfection by-products (DBPs) that accompanies chemical methods of disinfection is an issue of great concern due to the increase in the risks of harm to humans, for example, the development of cancer of the bladder and adverse reproductive outcomes. Therefore, this review examines the conventional disinfection approaches alongside emerging disinfection technologies, such as photocatalytic disinfection, cavitation, and electrochemical disinfection. Moreover, the merits, limitations, and log reduction values (LRVs) of the different disinfection methods discussed were compared concerning virus removal efficiency. Future research needs to merge single disinfection techniques into one to achieve improved viral disinfection, and the development of medicinal plant-based materials as disinfectants due to their antimicrobial and safety benefits to avoid toxicity is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Feroz Mahomed Swalaha
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
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Gierke AM, Hessling M. Investigation on Potential ESKAPE Surrogates for 222 and 254 nm Irradiation Experiments. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:942708. [PMID: 35847114 PMCID: PMC9284107 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.942708] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the increase in multidrug-resistant pathogens, it is important to investigate further antimicrobial options. In order not to have to work directly with pathogens, the investigation of possible surrogates is an important aspect. It is examined how suitable possible surrogate candidates for ESKAPE pathogens are for UVC applications. In addition, the inactivation sensitivities to 222 and 254 nm radiation are compared in relation. Methods Non-pathogenic members (Enterococcus mundtii, Staphylococcus carnosus, Acinetobacter kookii, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli) of genera of ESKAPE strains were photoinactivated in PBS with irradiation wavelengths of 222 and 254 nm (no non-pathogenic Klebsiella was available). Log reduction doses were determined and compared to published photoinactivation results on ESKAPE pathogens. It was assumed that non-pathogenic bacteria could be designated as surrogates for one wavelength and one ESKAPE strain, if the doses were between the 25 and 75% quantiles of published log reduction dose of the corresponding pathogen. Results For all non-pathogen relatives (except A. kookii), higher average log reduction doses were required for irradiation at 222 nm than at 254 nm. Comparison by boxplot revealed that five of eight determined log reduction doses of the possible surrogates were within the 25 and 75% quantiles of the data for ESKAPE pathogens. The measured log reduction dose for non-pathogenic E. coli was above the 75% quantile at 222 nm, and the log reduction dose for S. carnosus was below the 25% quantile at 254 nm. Conclusion For more than half of the studied cases, the examined ESKAPE relatives in this study can be applied as surrogates for ESKAPE pathogens. Because of lack of data, no clear statement could be made for Enterococcus faecalis at 222 nm and Acinetobacter baumannii at both wavelengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Gierke
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany
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Çaǧlayan Ç, Barnes SL, Pineles LL, Harris AD, Klein EY. A Data-Driven Framework for Identifying Intensive Care Unit Admissions Colonized With Multidrug-Resistant Organisms. Front Public Health 2022; 10:853757. [PMID: 35372195 PMCID: PMC8968755 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.853757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rising prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), is an increasing concern in healthcare settings. Materials and Methods Leveraging data from electronic healthcare records and a unique MDRO universal screening program, we developed a data-driven modeling framework to predict MRSA, VRE, and CRE colonization upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and identified the associated socio-demographic and clinical factors using logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and XGBoost algorithms. We performed threshold optimization for converting predicted probabilities into binary predictions and identified the cut-off maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity. Results Four thousand six hundred seventy ICU admissions (3,958 patients) were examined. MDRO colonization rate was 17.59% (13.03% VRE, 1.45% CRE, and 7.47% MRSA). Our study achieved the following sensitivity and specificity values with the best performing models, respectively: 80% and 66% for VRE with LR, 73% and 77% for CRE with XGBoost, 76% and 59% for MRSA with RF, and 82% and 83% for MDRO (i.e., VRE or CRE or MRSA) with RF. Further, we identified several predictors of MDRO colonization, including long-term care facility stay, current diagnosis of skin/subcutaneous tissue or infectious/parasitic disease, and recent isolation precaution procedures before ICU admission. Conclusion Our data-driven modeling framework can be used as a clinical decision support tool for timely predictions, characterization and identification of high-risk patients, and selective and timely use of infection control measures in ICUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çaǧlar Çaǧlayan
- Asymmetric Operations Sector, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Sean L. Barnes
- Department of Decision, Operations and Information Technologies (DO&IT), R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Lisa L. Pineles
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anthony D. Harris
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Eili Y. Klein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy, Washington, DC, United States
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Mariita RM, Davis JH, Randive RV. Illuminating Human Norovirus: A Perspective on Disinfection of Water and Surfaces Using UVC, Norovirus Model Organisms, and Radiation Safety Considerations. Pathogens 2022; 11:226. [PMID: 35215169 PMCID: PMC8879714 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a major cause of gastroenteritis and are associated with high morbidity because of their ability to survive in the environment and small inoculum size required for infection. Norovirus is transmitted through water, food, high touch-surfaces, and human-to-human contact. Ultraviolet Subtype C (UVC) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can disrupt the norovirus transmission chain for water, food, and surfaces. Here, we illuminate considerations to be adhered to when picking norovirus surrogates for disinfection studies and shine light on effective use of UVC for norovirus infection control in water and air and validation for such systems and explore the blind spot of radiation safety considerations when using UVC disinfection strategies. This perspective also discusses the promise of UVC for norovirus mitigation to save and ease life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M. Mariita
- Crystal IS Inc., an Asahi Kasei Company, 70 Cohoes Avenue, Green Island, NY 12183, USA; (J.H.D.); (R.V.R.)
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