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Osman AH, Darkwah S, Kotey FCN, Odoom A, Hotor P, Dayie NTKD, Donkor ES. Reservoirs of Nosocomial Pathogens in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241243239. [PMID: 38828046 PMCID: PMC11141231 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241243239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Nosocomial pathogens are known to exacerbate morbidity and mortality in contemporary critical healthcare. Hospital fomites, which include inanimate surfaces, have been identified as "breeding grounds" for pathogens that cause nosocomial infections. This systematic review aimed to deliver incisive insights on nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs) and the role of fomites as potential reservoirs for their transmission. Method An extensive exploration of electronic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, from 1990 to 2023, was carried out between 25th and 29th May 2023, per standard PRISMA guidelines. Information were extracted from articles that reported on fomites in the ICU. Studies that did not quantitatively report the fomite contamination, and those that exclusively took samples from patients in the ICU were excluded from the analysis. Results About 40% of the total samples collected on fomites from all the studies yielded microbial growth, with species of Staphylococcus being the most predominant. Other prevalent microbes were Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida spp., Enterococcus sp., and Enterobacter sp. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had the highest proportion of contaminated fomites. Among known fomites, the sphygmomanometer exhibited a 100% detection rate of nosocomial pathogens. This included E. aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa were commonly isolated on fomites in the ICUs. Conclusion Many fomites that are readily used in patient care in the ICU harbour nosocomial pathogens. The most common fomite appeared to be mobile phones, sphygmomanometers, and stethoscopes, with Staphylococcus being the most common contaminant. Consequently, the need for rigorous disinfection and sterilization protocols on fomites in the ICU cannot be overemphasized. Additionally, heightened awareness on the subject among health professionals is crucial to mitigating the risk and burden of nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Halim Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Darkwah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fleischer C N Kotey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alex Odoom
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prince Hotor
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicholas T K D Dayie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric S Donkor
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
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2
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Al Ajmi JA, B. Malik A, Nafady-Hego H, Hanana F, Abraham J, G. Garcell H, Hudaib G, Al-Wali W, Eltayeb F, Shams S, G. Thomas A, Saleem S, Abou-Samra AB, Butt AA. Spectrum of infection and outcomes in individuals with Candida auris infection in Qatar. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302629. [PMID: 38781160 PMCID: PMC11115301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the spectrum of infection and risk factors for invasive fungal disease due to Candida auris (CA) in Qatar. METHODS We performed structured chart reviews on individuals with any positive CA culture between May 2019 and December 2022 at three tertiary care hospitals in Qatar. Invasive CA disease (ICAD) was defined as a positive sterile site culture, or any positive culture for CA with appropriate antifungal prescription. Main outcomes included proportion of individuals who developed ICAD among those with positive cultures, and 30-day/in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Among 331 eligible individuals, median age was 56 years, 83.1% were male, 70.7% were non-Qataris, and 37.5% had ≥ 3 comorbidities at baseline. Overall, 86.4% were deemed to have colonization and 13.6% developed ICAD. Those with ICAD were more likely to have invasive central venous or urinary catheterization and mechanical ventilation. Individuals with ICAD had longer prior ICU stay (16 vs 26 days, P = 0.002), and longer hospital length of stay (63 vs. 43 days; P = 0.003), and higher 30-day mortality (38% vs. 14%; P<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, only mechanical ventilation was associated with a higher risk of ICAD (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.09-10.17). CONCLUSION Invasive Candida auris Disease is associated with longer hospital stay and higher mortality. Severely ill persons on mechanical ventilation should be especially monitored for development of ICAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameela A. Al Ajmi
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aimon B. Malik
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanaa Nafady-Hego
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Fathima Hanana
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joji Abraham
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Humberto G. Garcell
- Infection Prevention and Control Department, The Cuban Hospital, Dukhan, Qatar
| | - Ghada Hudaib
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Walid Al-Wali
- Department of Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Faiha Eltayeb
- Department of Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sherin Shams
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anil G. Thomas
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samah Saleem
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adeel A. Butt
- Corporate Quality and Patient Safety Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Medicine and Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Medicine and Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Education City, Qatar
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3
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Wesgate R, Bentley K, Stanton R, Maddalena R, Khosravi C, Teska P, Duggan K, Maillard JY. Impact of artificial accelerated ageing of PVC surfaces and surface degradation on disinfectant efficacy. J Hosp Infect 2024; 149:1-13. [PMID: 38734184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.12.021] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardized efficacy surface tests for disinfectants are performed on pristine surfaces. There is a growing interest in understanding the impact of surface ageing on disinfectant activity, owing for example to the increased usage of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidative chemistries for surface decontamination. This acknowledges that general surface 'wear and tear' following UV radiation and oxidative biocide exposure may impact biocidal product efficacy. METHODS PVC surfaces were aged through thermal and UV-A radiation (340 nm wavelength) following the use of standard ageing surface protocols to simulate natural surface degradation. Surface roughness, contact angle and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate physical changes in PVC surfaces before and after artificial ageing. The efficacy of five pre-impregnated disinfectant wipes were evaluated using the ASTM E2967-15 on stainless-steel (control) and PVC surfaces (aged and non-aged). RESULTS The type of formulation and the organism tested remained the most significant factors impacting disinfectant efficacy, compared with surface type. Both thermal ageing and UV-A exposure of PVC surfaces clearly showed signs of surface degradation, notably an increase in surface roughness. Physical changes were observed in the roughness of PVC after artificial ageing. A difference in disinfectant efficacy dependent on aged PVC surfaces was observed for some, but not all formulations. CONCLUSION We showed that surface type and surface ageing can affect biocidal product efficacy, although in a non-predictable manner. More research is needed in this field to ascertain whether surface types and aged surfaces should be used in standardized efficacy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wesgate
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Bentley
- Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R Stanton
- Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R Maddalena
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - C Khosravi
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - P Teska
- Diversey, Fontenay-sous-Bois, France
| | - K Duggan
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - J-Y Maillard
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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4
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Jinadatha C, Navarathna T, Negron-Diaz J, Ghamande G, Corona BA, Adrianza A, Coppin JD, Choi H, Chatterjee P. Understanding the significance of microbiota recovered from health care surfaces. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:220-224. [PMID: 38206212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.11.006] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial contamination of hospital surfaces remains despite adherence to routine disinfection. Our study demonstrates bioburden from various types of hospital high-touch surfaces and the pathogenicity of all bacteria recovered. METHODS Several high-touch hospital surfaces from a single medical-surgical unit were sampled and cultured using replicate organism detection and counting (RODAC) Tryptic Soy agar plates. Colonies were then subcultured to blood agar plates and speciated using MALDI-TOF. The local microbiology laboratory database was queried for any clinical isolate match with the environmental samples recovered. RESULTS Manikins, bed rails, and workstations-on-wheels were the most contaminated surfaces with the largest variety of bacteria isolated from manikins and bed rails. A total of 60 different types of pathogens were isolated, 18 of which were well-known pathogens, and 7 were classified as important in the health care setting by CDC. Our clinical microbiology laboratory identified 29 of 60 hospital surface bacteria in clinical isolates. Urine, soft tissue, and blood were the most common sources of clinical isolates. CONCLUSIONS Surfaces in the health care environment harbor both well-known and not-so-well-known human pathogens. Several not-so-well-known pathogens are skin flora or environmental bacteria, which in the right setting, can become pathogenic and cause diseases including meningitis, brain abscess, endocarditis, and bacteremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan Jinadatha
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Thanuri Navarathna
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Juan Negron-Diaz
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX
| | - Gautam Ghamande
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Brandon A Corona
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Andres Adrianza
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX
| | - John D Coppin
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Hosoon Choi
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Piyali Chatterjee
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX.
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5
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Sessitsch A, Wakelin S, Schloter M, Maguin E, Cernava T, Champomier-Verges MC, Charles TC, Cotter PD, Ferrocino I, Kriaa A, Lebre P, Cowan D, Lange L, Kiran S, Markiewicz L, Meisner A, Olivares M, Sarand I, Schelkle B, Selvin J, Smidt H, van Overbeek L, Berg G, Cocolin L, Sanz Y, Fernandes WL, Liu SJ, Ryan M, Singh B, Kostic T. Microbiome Interconnectedness throughout Environments with Major Consequences for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0021222. [PMID: 37367231 PMCID: PMC10521359 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00212-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes have highly important roles for ecosystem functioning and carry out key functions that support planetary health, including nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and water filtration. Microbiomes are also intimately associated with complex multicellular organisms such as humans, other animals, plants, and insects and perform crucial roles for the health of their hosts. Although we are starting to understand that microbiomes in different systems are interconnected, there is still a poor understanding of microbiome transfer and connectivity. In this review we show how microbiomes are connected within and transferred between different habitats and discuss the functional consequences of these connections. Microbiome transfer occurs between and within abiotic (e.g., air, soil, and water) and biotic environments, and can either be mediated through different vectors (e.g., insects or food) or direct interactions. Such transfer processes may also include the transmission of pathogens or antibiotic resistance genes. However, here, we highlight the fact that microbiome transmission can have positive effects on planetary and human health, where transmitted microorganisms potentially providing novel functions may be important for the adaptation of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Maguin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Tomislav Cernava
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul D. Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, APC Microbiome Ireland and VistaMilk, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Aicha Kriaa
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pedro Lebre
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Don Cowan
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lene Lange
- LL-BioEconomy, Valby, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lidia Markiewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Annelein Meisner
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Olivares
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa – Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Inga Sarand
- Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | | | - Hauke Smidt
- Wageningen University and Research, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo van Overbeek
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Yolanda Sanz
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa – Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - S. J. Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
| | - Matthew Ryan
- Genetic Resources Collection, CABI, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Brajesh Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanja Kostic
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Tulln, Austria
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6
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Dixit S, Varshney S, Gupta D, Sharma S. Textiles as fomites in the healthcare system. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12569-2. [PMID: 37199751 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nosocomial infections or healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are acquired under medical care in healthcare facilities. In hospital environments, the transmission of infectious diseases through textiles such as white coats, bed linen, curtains, and towels are well documented. Textile hygiene and infection control measures have become more important in recent years due to the growing concerns about textiles as fomites in healthcare settings. However, systematic research in this area is lacking; the factors contributing to the transmission of infections through textiles needs to be better understood. The review aims to critically explore textiles as contaminants in healthcare systems, and to identify potential risks they may pose to patients and healthcare workers. It delineates different factors affecting bacterial adherence on fabrics, such as surface properties of bacteria and fabrics, and environmental factors. It also identifies areas that require further research to reduce the risk of HAIs and improve textile hygiene practices. Finally, the review elaborates on the strategies currently employed, and those that can be employed to limit the spread of nosocomial infections through fabrics. Implementing textile hygiene practices effectively in healthcare facilities requires a thorough analysis of factors affecting fabric-microbiome interactions, followed by designing newer fabrics that discourage pathogen load. KEY POINTS: • Healthcare textiles act as a potential reservoir of nosocomial pathogens • Survival of pathogens is affected by surface properties of fabric and bacteria • Guidelines required for fabrics that discourage microbial load, for hospital use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Dixit
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Swati Varshney
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Deepti Gupta
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Shilpi Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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7
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Krishnan S, Sivaraman S, Jothipandiyan S, Venkatachalam P, Ramiah Shanmugam S, Paramasivam N. Bioprospecting of aqueous phase from pyrolysis of plant waste residues to disrupt MRSA biofilms. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:231-243. [PMID: 37144617 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2207461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have increased at an alarming rate, recently. In India, stubble burning and air pollution due to the burning of agricultural and forest residues have also increased over the past decade causing environmental and health hazards. This work evaluates the anti-biofilm property of the aqueous phase obtained from pyrolysis of wheat straw (WS AQ) and pine cone (PC AQ) against an MRSA isolate. The WS AQ and PC AQ compositions were determined by GC-MS analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be 8% (v v-1) and 5% (v v-1) for WS AQ and PC AQ, respectively. The eradication of biofilms was performed on hospital contact surfaces namely, stainless steel and polypropylene and found to be 51% and 52% for WS AQ and PC AQ, respectively. Compounds identified from the aqueous phase of WS and PC docked against AgrA protein showed good binding scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Krishnan
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Biomass, Bioenergy and Bioproducts Laboratory, Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Subramaniyasharma Sivaraman
- Biomass, Bioenergy and Bioproducts Laboratory, Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sowndarya Jothipandiyan
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Ponnusami Venkatachalam
- Biomass, Bioenergy and Bioproducts Laboratory, Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Saravanan Ramiah Shanmugam
- Biomass, Bioenergy and Bioproducts Laboratory, Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Nithyanand Paramasivam
- Biofilm Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
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8
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Sahun M, Privat-Maldonado A, Lin A, De Roeck N, Van der Heyden L, Hillen M, Michiels J, Steenackers G, Smits E, Ariën KK, Jorens PG, Delputte P, Bogaerts A. Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses with Non-Thermal Plasma for Hospital Disinfection. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:5206-5215. [PMID: 37034498 PMCID: PMC10068876 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c07622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
As recently highlighted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, viruses have become an increasing burden for health, global economy, and environment. The control of transmission by contact with contaminated materials represents a major challenge, particularly in hospital environments. However, the current disinfection methods in hospital settings suffer from numerous drawbacks. As a result, several medical supplies that cannot be properly disinfected are not reused, leading to severe shortages and increasing amounts of waste, thus prompting the search for alternative solutions. In this work, we report that non-thermal plasma (NTP) can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 from non-porous and porous materials commonly found in healthcare facilities. We demonstrated that 5 min treatment with a dielectric barrier discharge NTP can inactivate 100% of SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan and Omicron strains) from plastic material. Using porcine respiratory coronavirus (surrogate for SARS-CoV-2) and coxsackievirus B3 (highly resistant non-enveloped virus), we tested the NTP virucidal activity on hospital materials and obtained complete inactivation after 5 and 10 min, respectively. We hypothesize that the produced reactive species and local acidification contribute to the overall virucidal effect of NTP. Our results demonstrate the potential of dielectric barrier discharge NTPs for the rapid, efficient, and low-cost disinfection of healthcare materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Sahun
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abraham Lin
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naomi De Roeck
- Laboratory
for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical,
Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lisa Van der Heyden
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michaël Hillen
- Industrial
Vision Lab (InViLab), Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Michiels
- Virology
Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gunther Steenackers
- Industrial
Vision Lab (InViLab), Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K. Ariën
- Laboratory
for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical,
Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Virology
Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe G. Jorens
- Department
of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University
Hospital, Wilrijkstraat
10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory
for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical,
Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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9
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Abu Jarad N, Rachwalski K, Bayat F, Khan S, Shakeri A, MacLachlan R, Villegas M, Brown ED, Hosseinidoust Z, Didar TF, Soleymani L. A Bifunctional Spray Coating Reduces Contamination on Surfaces by Repelling and Killing Pathogens. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:16253-16265. [PMID: 36926806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c23119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Surface-mediated transmission of pathogens is a major concern with regard to the spread of infectious diseases. Current pathogen prevention methods on surfaces rely on the use of biocides, which aggravate the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and pose harmful health effects. In response, a bifunctional and substrate-independent spray coating is presented herein. The bifunctional coating relies on wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane microparticles, decorated with biocidal gold nanoparticles to induce a "repel and kill" effect against pathogens. Pathogen repellency is provided by the structural hierarchy of the microparticles and their surface chemistry, whereas the kill mechanism is achieved using functionalized gold nanoparticles embedded on the microparticles. Bacterial tests with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveal a 99.9% reduction in bacterial load on spray-coated surfaces, while antiviral tests with Phi6─a bacterial virus often used as a surrogate to SARS-CoV-2─demonstrate a 98% reduction in virus load on coated surfaces. The newly developed spray coating is versatile, easily applicable to various surfaces, and effective against various pathogens, making it suitable for reducing surface contamination in frequently touched, heavy traffic, and high-risk surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Abu Jarad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada
| | - Kenneth Rachwalski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Bayat
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Shadman Khan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Amid Shakeri
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Roderick MacLachlan
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Villegas
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Eric D Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Zeinab Hosseinidoust
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
| | - Tohid F Didar
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Leyla Soleymani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4K1, ON, Canada
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 4L7, ON, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Engineering Physics, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L7, Canada
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10
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Kuo SH, Liu TY, Chen TC, Yang CJ, Chen YH. Impact of Plastic-Wrap Properties and Cleaning Intervals on the Disinfection of Elevator Buttons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1649. [PMID: 36674403 PMCID: PMC9863425 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fomite transmission is a possible route by which different pathogens spread within facilities. In hospital settings, elevator buttons are widely observed to be covered with various types of plastic wraps; however, limited information is available concerning the impact of different plastic materials on cleaning. Our study aimed to identify which plastic material is suitable for the coverage of elevator buttons and the optimal intervals for their cleaning. We tested six plastic covers, including polyethylene (PE), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyvinyl chloride (PVD), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) plastic wraps; a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) keyboard cover; and a polyethylene terephthalate-ethylene vinyl acetate (PET-EVA) laminating film, which are plastic films. The bioburden on the elevator buttons at different time intervals was measured using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay. Our results show that wraps made of PVDC had superior durability compared with those of PMP, PVC, and PVDC, in addition to the lowest detectable ATP levels among the six tested materials. Regarding different button locations, the highest ATP values were found in door-close buttons followed by door-open, and first-floor buttons after one- and three-hour intervals (p = 0.024 and p < 0.001, respectively). After routine disinfection, the ATP levels of buttons rapidly increased after touching and became more prominent after three hours (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that PVDC plastic wraps have adequate durability and the lowest residual bioburden when applied as covers for elevator buttons. Door-close and -open buttons were the most frequently touched sites, requiring more accurate and precise disinfection; therefore, cleaning intervals of no longer than three hours may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Huei Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 68, Jhonghua 3rd Road, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yin Liu
- Infection Control Office, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 68, Jhonghua 3rd Road, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan
| | - Tun-Chieh Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 68, Jhonghua 3rd Road, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Infection Control Office, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 68, Jhonghua 3rd Road, Kaohsiung 80145, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jen Yang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsu Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, No. 70, Lien-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
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11
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Arcos C, Muñoz L, Cordova D, Muñoz H, Walter M, Azócar MI, Leiva Á, Sancy M, Rodríguez-Grau G. The Effect of the Addition of Copper Particles in High-Density Recycled Polyethylene Matrices by Extrusion. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235220. [PMID: 36501616 PMCID: PMC9739686 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effect of the recycling process and copper particle incorporation on virgin and recycled pellet HDPE were investigated by thermo-chemical analysis, mechanical characterization, and antibacterial analysis. Copper particles were added to pellet HDPE, virgin and recycled, using a tabletop single screw extruder. Some copper particles, called copper nano-particles (Cu-NPs), had a spherical morphology and an average particle size near 20 nm. The others had a cubic morphology and an average particle size close to 300 nm, labeled copper nano-cubes (Cu-NCs). The thermo-chemical analysis revealed that the degree of crystallization was not influenced by the recycling process: 55.38 % for virgin HDPE and 56.01% for recycled HDPE. The degree of crystallization decreased with the addition of the copper particles. Possibly due to a modification in the structure, packaging organization, and crystalline ordering, the recycled HDPE reached a degree of crystallization close to 44.78% with 0.5 wt.% copper nano-particles and close to 36.57% for the recycled HDPE modified with 0.7 wt.% Cu-NCs. Tensile tests revealed a slight reduction in the tensile strength related to the recycling process, being close to 26 MPa for the virgin HDPE and 15.99 MPa for the recycled HDPE, which was improved by adding copper particles, which were near 25.39 MPa for 0.7 wt.% copper nano-cubes. Antibacterial analysis showed a reduction in the viability of E. coli in virgin HDPE samples, which was close to 8% for HDPE containing copper nano-particles and lower than 2% for HDPE having copper nano-cubes. In contrast, the recycled HDPE revealed viability close to 95% for HDPE with copper nano-particles and nearly 50% for HDPE with copper nano-cubes. The viability of S. aureus for HDPE was lower than containing copper nano-particles and copper nano-cubes, which increased dramatically close to 80% for recycled HDPE with copper nano-particles 80% and 75% with copper nano-cubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Arcos
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (G.R.-G.)
| | - Lisa Muñoz
- Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Deborah Cordova
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Hugo Muñoz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Metalúrgica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Mariana Walter
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Manuel I. Azócar
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Ángel Leiva
- Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Mamié Sancy
- Escuela de Construcción Civil, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- CIEN UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Rodríguez-Grau
- Escuela de Construcción Civil, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (G.R.-G.)
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