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Duggan K, Bentley K, Stanton RJ, Maillard JY. Evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of long-lasting hand sanitizers on skin. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:107-111. [PMID: 37689169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microbicidal efficacy of hand sanitizer formulations is usually measured through standardized quantitative suspension tests and fingerpad tests; these cannot evaluate long-lasting formulations or are impractical due to biological risks, high cost, or time required for testing. With increased numbers of long-lasting microbicidal activity claims of commercially available hand sanitizers, alternative testing strategies are required. AIM To explore the use of a standardized ex-vivo pig skin model to reproducibly measure long-lasting efficacy of an alcohol-free hand sanitizer formulation. METHODS The microbicidal efficacy of an alcohol-free hand sanitizer was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the enveloped virus SARS-CoV-2 with quantitative suspension tests (EN13727 and EN14476) with a contact time of 5 min. The product was then tested over a 6 h period using an ex-vivo pig skin model with a modified version of PAS 2424 to simulate the impact of skin abrasion. FINDINGS Quantitative suspension tests yielded a >5 log10 reduction for all organisms tested within a 5 min contact time. Pig skin tests showed reduced but consistent efficacy at all time points and indicated no significant impact of abrasion on efficacy. CONCLUSION The use of the ex-vivo pig skin model provides a potentially viable and convenient model system to test long-lasting hand sanitizer formulations, providing a path for sustainable hand sanitizer formulation claims of activity on skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Duggan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - K Bentley
- Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R J Stanton
- Division of Infection & Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - J-Y Maillard
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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2
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Lopez TK, Jones K, Roseberry-Lincoln A, Zidek A, MacKinnon L, Marro L. Adult and children's use of hand sanitizer during a pandemic - an observational study. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:1004-1012. [PMID: 36153367 PMCID: PMC9510540 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00479-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of hand sanitizers has been one of the key public health measures recommended to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. As such, its daily use among the general population has reportedly increased dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To better understand the impact of this recommendation, hand sanitizer use, including the frequency and amount handled, was examined among adults in a non-occupational setting and children in both the home and school/childcare settings. METHODS An online survey of Canadians (conducted from September to October 2021) was employed to estimate use frequency, amount, and pattern of hand sanitizer use. RESULTS Responses were received from 655 adults in the general population and 298 teachers of children up to the age of 18 years. The frequency of hand sanitizer use during the pandemic was found to be as high as 25 times per day in children and over 9 times per day in adults. Notable differences were found when comparing the frequency of hand sanitizer use by children in the home to children in a school or childcare setting. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study, known to the authors, examining hand sanitizer use among children during the pandemic, including use in a childcare or school setting. This study illustrates the importance of examining the change in consumer behaviors during a pandemic and the need to look beyond the home when attempting to understand product use patterns in children. IMPACT STATEMENT This research explores uses of hand sanitizer, before and during pandemic conditions, in the general population of Canada with a particular focus on use among children. The results can be used to estimate exposure to chemicals in hand sanitizer from non-occupational use in Canada and among similar populations and signal the importance of examining changing consumer behaviors and use of consumer products in school settings, especially among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa K Lopez
- Tetra Tech, 10711 Red Run Blvd., Suite 105, Owings Mills, MD, 21117, USA.
| | | | | | - Angelika Zidek
- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leona MacKinnon
- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leonora Marro
- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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3
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Farooq H, Saleem S, Haq FU. Antibacterial assessment of commercially available hand sanitizers in Pakistan by EN-1500. Infect Dis Health 2023; 28:195-201. [PMID: 37005216 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of hand sanitizers marketed to the general population is essential for infection prevention and control. Main theme of the study was that whether the commercially available hand sanitizers meet the WHO recommended standards in terms of efficacy? Current study aims to investigate the efficacy of ten commercially available hand sanitizers. METHODS The methodology was based on European Standard EN-1500. Following the artificial contamination of hands, pre and post samples were obtained to determine the log reduction values for each sanitizer. RESULTS The results showed that out of ten only one sanitizer showed highest log reduction which was comparable to the reference product. Product B was most efficient in sanitization of hands with mean log reduction of 6.00 ± 0.15. The lowest sanitization efficacy was recorded for product F with mean log reduction of 2.40 ± 0.51, however the reference product 2-propanol result in mean log reduction of 6.0 ± 0.00. The products used in this study show a statistical significant results (p value: < 0.01). CONCLUSION It is concluded that only one product showed active sanitizer efficacy. This study provides an important insight for manufacturing company and authorizing authorities to assess the efficacy of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitization is one approach to stop the spread of diseases carried on by harmful bacteria inhabiting our hands. Apart from the manufacturing strategies, ensuring proper use and quantity of hand sanitizers is very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajra Farooq
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Sidrah Saleem
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Faiz Ul Haq
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Rafizadeh A, Kolahi AA, Shariati S, Zamani N, Roberts DM, Hassanian-Moghaddam H. The danger of the toxicity and inefficacy of alcohol-based hand rubs in Iran during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:42. [PMID: 37098641 PMCID: PMC10127170 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01244-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of disinfectants and alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) to prevent COVID-19 transmission increased in the first wave of the infection. To meet the increased demand, the Iranian Ministry of Health issued an emergency use authorization allowing new manufacturers to enter the market, despite the limited capacity for surveillance of these products during COVID-19. Methanol poisoning outbreaks spread rapidly, and more people died from methanol poisoning than COVID-19 in some cities. The aim of this study was to analyze some ABHRs in the Iranian market to see if (a) ABHRs are standard and suitable for hand antisepsis and (b) contained potentially dangerous toxic alcohols. METHOD Between February and March 2020, 64 brands of ABHR were conveniently collected from pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops selling hygienic products and analyzed using Gas Chromatography. World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration guidelines were used to define minimum requirements for ABHR. For estimating the risk for acute methanol poisoning, we assumed a serum methanol concentration of 200 mg/L following ABHR ingestion was sufficient to cause intoxication. This threshold concentration would be achieved in an average 75-kg adult after consuming 8000 mg (or eight grams) methanol in 1-2 h. RESULTS The median [IQR] (range) concentration of ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol were 59% v/v [32.2, 68] (0, 99), 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 197,961), and 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 680,100), respectively. There was a strong negative correlation between methanol and ethanol contents of hand rubbers (r= -0.617, p < 0.001). Almost 47% of ABHRs complied with minimum standards. In 12.5% of ABHRs, high concentrations of methanol were observed, which have no antiseptic properties but could cause acute methanol poisoning if ingested. CONCLUSION COVID-19 initiated a policy for distribution and use of ABHR with little control. As ABHR and masks are still accepted preventive measures of the disease, non-standard ABHR compositions may increase the population's risk to both COVID-19 infection and methanol poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rafizadeh
- Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ali-Asghar Kolahi
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahab Shariati
- Department of Chemistry, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Nasim Zamani
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Agnes Medical Center, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Darren M Roberts
- Edith Collins Centre, Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, School of Medicine, Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bini C, Giorgetti A, Fazio G, Amurri S, Pelletti G, Pelotti S. Impact on touch DNA of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer used in COVID-19 prevention. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:645-653. [PMID: 36826525 PMCID: PMC9951825 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, forensic research has been focused on touch DNA in order to improve its evidential value in criminal activity investigations as well as to understand the variables impacting touch DNA. One of the emerging variables is represented by the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, which was suggested for hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of the present study were to assess the effect of a hand sanitizer on touch DNA deposition, transfer, and recovery and also to evaluate STR typing success, quality of DNA profiles, and personal identification. Before and after the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, 20 volunteers deposited on glass surfaces 120 fingerprints, containing skin-derived or salivary DNA. Samples were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR), and 76 samples yielding > 15 pg/μl were typed for 21 autosomal STRs by GlobalFiler® PCR Amplification Kit. DNA profiles were classified into single source, mixed, and inconclusive profiles, and a LR assessment was performed by comparison to the reference samples using LRmix Studio software. After the use of hand sanitizer, samples yielded lower quantities of recovered transferred DNA, especially considering samples containing salivary DNA (p < 0.05 by Friedman test). All the 76 amplified samples (63.3% of the total) showed at least 10 typed loci, and 83-100% of profiles were consistent with the reference ones on the basis of a LR value ≥ 106. Results showed that, although the hand sanitizer reduces the DNA recovering, touch DNA samples might still be useful for forensic personal identification even when hand sanitizers are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bini
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Fazio
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Amurri
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Manuel CS, Robbins G, Slater J, Walker DK, Parker A, Arbogast JW. Hand hygiene product use by food employees in casual dining and quick-service restaurants. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100004. [PMID: 36916567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hand hygiene product usage characteristics by food employees when hand sanitizers are made available are not well understood. To investigate hand hygiene product usage in casual dining and quick-service restaurants, we placed automated monitoring soap and sanitizer dispensers side-by-side at handwash sinks used by food employees in seven restaurants. Dispenses were monitored, and multiple dispenses that occurred within 60 s of each other were considered a single hand hygiene event. This resulted in 186,998 events during the study (149,779 soap only, 21 985 sanitizer only, and 15,234 regimen [defined as soap followed by sanitizer at the same sink within 60 s]) over 15,447 days of use. Soap was the most frequently used hand hygiene method by food employees in both restaurant types. Regimen use, despite being the preferred hand hygiene method by both restaurant chains, was the least used hand hygiene method. When pooled over restaurant types, the median daily usage for soap was statistically significantly highest of all methods at 23.5 dispenses per sink per day (p < 0.0001), the sanitizer median daily usage was 4.27 dispenses per sink per day, and regimen use was statistically significantly lowest of all methods at 4.02 dispenses per sink per day (p < 0.0001). When hand hygiene event types were pooled, casual dining restaurants had similar median hand hygiene event rates (11.4 dispenses per sink per day) compared to quick-service restaurants (11.9 dispenses per sink per day; p = 0.890). The number of events by sink location varied, with sinks located at a warewash station having the highest number of events (19.3 dispenses per sink per day; p < 0.0001), while sinks located by a ready-to-eat food preparation area had the lowest number of events (6.8 dispenses per sink per day; p < 0.0001). These data provide robust baseline benchmarks for future hand hygiene intervention studies in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diane K Walker
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Albert Parker
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA; Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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Inaida S, Mizukoshi A, Azuma K, Okumura J. Reduced norovirus epidemic follows increased sales of hand hygiene products in Japan, 2020-2021. Environ Health Prev Med 2023; 28:18. [PMID: 36878577 PMCID: PMC10025861 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During the recent emergence of COVID-19, an increased practice of hand hygiene coincided with the reduced incidence of the norovirus epidemic in Japan, which is similar to experience with the pandemic flu in 2009. We investigated the relationship between the sales of hand hygiene products, including liquid hand soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and the trend of norovirus epidemic. We used national gastroenteritis surveillance data across Japan in 2020 and 2021 and compared the base statistics of incidence of these two years with the average of the previous 10 years (2010-2019). We calculated the correlations (Spearman's Rho) between monthly sales of hand hygiene products and monthly norovirus cases and fitted them to a regression model. In 2020, there was no epidemic, and the incidence peak was the lowest in recent norovirus epidemics. In 2021, the incidence peak was delayed for five weeks to the usual epidemic seasons. Correlation coefficients between monthly sales of liquid hand soap and skin antiseptics and norovirus incidence showed a significantly negative correlation (Spearman's Rho = -0.88 and p = 0.002 for liquid hand soap; Spearman's Rho = -0.81 and p = 0.007 for skin antiseptics). Exponential regression models were fitted between the sales of each hand hygiene product and norovirus cases, respectively. The results suggest hand hygiene using these products is a potentially useful prevention method against norovirus epidemics. Effective ways of hand hygiene for increasing the prevention of norovirus should therefore be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinako Inaida
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University
| | - Atsushi Mizukoshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University
| | - Kenich Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University
| | - Jiro Okumura
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University
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Brown LG, Hoover ER, Besrat BN, Burns-Lynch C, Frankson R, Jones SL, Garcia-Williams AG. Application of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) model to identify predictors of two self-reported hand hygiene behaviors (handwashing and hand sanitizer use) to prevent COVID-19 infection among U.S. adults, Fall 2020. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2360. [PMID: 36527030 PMCID: PMC9756742 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Handwashing with soap and water is an important way to prevent transmission of viruses and bacteria and worldwide it is estimated handwashing can prevent 1 in 5 viral respiratory infections. Frequent handwashing is associated with a decreased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when handwashing is not feasible can also help prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria. OBJECTIVE Since early 2020, the public has been encouraged to handwash frequently with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available to reduce COVID-19 transmission. This study's objectives were to assess U.S. adults' perceptions of components of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) Model in relation to these two hand hygiene behaviors and to identify relationships between these components and hand hygiene behaviors. METHODS Items assessing capability, opportunity, motivation, and hand hygiene behaviors were included in FallStyles, a survey completed by 3,625 adults in the fall of 2020 through an online panel representative of the U.S. POPULATION We calculated composite capability, opportunity, and motivation measures and descriptive statistics for all measures. Finally, we conducted multiple logistic regressions to identify predictors of handwashing and hand sanitizer use. RESULTS Most respondents reported frequently washing hands with soap and water (89%) and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (72%) to prevent coronavirus. For capability, over 90% of respondents said that neither behavior takes a lot of effort, but fewer agreed that they knew when, or how, they should engage in handwashing (67%; 74%) and hand sanitizer use (62%; 64%). For opportunity, over 95% of respondents said lack of time didn't make it hard to engage in either behavior; fewer said visual cues reminded them to engage in the behaviors (handwashing: 30%; sanitizer use: 48%). For motivation, the majority believed the two behaviors were good ways to prevent coronavirus illness (handwashing: 76%; sanitizer use: 59%). Regressions indicated that capability, opportunity, and particularly motivation were positively associated with both hand hygiene behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The COM-B model was a helpful framework for increasing understanding of hand hygiene behavior; it identified capability, opportunity, and motivation as predictors of both handwashing and hand sanitizer use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G. Brown
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - E. Rickamer Hoover
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Bethlehem N. Besrat
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Claire Burns-Lynch
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Rebekah Frankson
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Shantrice L. Jones
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Amanda G. Garcia-Williams
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
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Islam M, Shahin Ahmed K, Karim R, Nath BD, Prosad Moulick S, Islam R, Mahmudul Hassan SM, Hossain H, Moniruzzaman M, Jahan MS, Ali Shaikh A, Georghiou PE. Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers amid COVID-19: Chemical Formulation, Analysis, Safety. ChemistrySelect 2022; 7:e202203290. [PMID: 36718183 PMCID: PMC9877727 DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) containing ethanol (EtOH) or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to inactivate microorganisms help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. These products have become very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from vaccines or other preventative antiseptic measures, the majority of consumers have relied on different types of ABHSs to disinfect their hands. As a result, there has been a global rush in the demand for these ABHSs and other antiseptic hygiene products. This has resulted in the formation of many new commercial sanitizer producers. There are around fifty companies of varying sizes that have been marketing their ABHSs in Bangladesh, most of which have only been manufacturing their products for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. To monitor the quality and components of these products, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) analyzed approximately 200 different hand sanitizer samples using GC-FID method. All samples were alcohol-based except for 3 which were alcohol-free aqueous hand sanitizers. Of the supplied formulated ABHSs, 80 samples were found to contain only IPA and 54 contained only EtOH. However, 28 samples were found to be contaminated with methanol (MeOH), 7 samples contained only MeOH and 18 samples contained both EtOH and IPA. This is the first study to explore the analysis of alcohol content in formulated ABHSs and their marketing status in Bangladesh, but the findings could be of use in other jurisdictions as similar issues have been raised in many parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monarul Islam
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
- Central Analytical & Research Facilities (CARF)Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh.
| | - Khondoker Shahin Ahmed
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
| | - Rezaul Karim
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
| | - Bikash Dev Nath
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
- Department of ChemistryDhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET)Gazipur1707Bangladesh
| | - Shyama Prosad Moulick
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
| | - Rashedul Islam
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
| | - Sharkar Md. Mahmudul Hassan
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
| | - Hemayet Hossain
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
- Central Analytical & Research Facilities (CARF)Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh.
| | - Mohammad Moniruzzaman
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
- Central Analytical & Research Facilities (CARF)Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh.
| | - M. Sarwar Jahan
- BCSIR Dhaka LaboratoriesBangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh
| | - Aftab Ali Shaikh
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) DhanmondiDhaka1205Bangladesh.
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of DhakaDhaka1000Bangladesh.
| | - Paris E. Georghiou
- Department of ChemistryMemorial University of Newfoundland, St. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorA1B 3X7Canada
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Meyer T, de Pechpeyrou P, Kolanska-Stronka M, Dru V. Promoting a hand sanitizer by persuasive messages: moving bottle and background color as approach and avoidance cues. Curr Psychol 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 36124045 PMCID: PMC9474274 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03632-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In message-based health interventions, peripheral cues such as motion and color capture exogenous attention. These cues may elicit approach and avoidance motivation and the core ingredients of persuasion (argument framing, source of the message, and persuasion knowledge). In two studies, we presented participants with persuasive messages about a hand sanitizer. Messages varied by the framing of the arguments (gain vs. loss) and by the source of the message (healthcare industry vs. public health agency). In Study 1 (N = 137), the forward apparent motion of the hand sanitizer bottle compared to a backward apparent motion increased a positive attitude toward the hand sanitizer, the intention to buy it, and ease of judgment. In Study 2 (N = 280), a small main positive effect of a green background was observed for attractiveness of the hand sanitizer, but only when a green background followed a red one. Green (vs. red) background increased willingness to buy the hand sanitizer. We observed no main effects of argument framing or source of the message. The discussion emphasizes approach and avoidance motivation as a common framework for understanding the respective contribution of peripheral cues and core ingredients of messages to the persuasion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Meyer
- University Paris Nanterre, 200 avenue de la Republique, 92000 Nanterre, France
| | | | | | - Vincent Dru
- University Paris Nanterre, 200 avenue de la Republique, 92000 Nanterre, France
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Kobayashi R, Murai R, Sato Y, Nakae M, Nirasawa S, Asanuma K, Kuronuma K, Takahashi S. Study of post-opening stability of active ingredients in hand sanitizers. J Infect Chemother 2022; 28:1605-1609. [PMID: 35981652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hand disinfection plays an important role in infection control. Currently, hand sanitizers containing ethanol and chlorhexidine gluconate as active ingredients are widely used. Most of hand sanitizers have a defined expiration date for use. However, there was no rule about the expiration date after opening defined with the evidence. Therefore, we examined the fluctuation of active ingredients and disinfection effect after opening the bottle. METHOD Twelve hand sanitizers from 44 to 921 days after opening set in different places in the hospital were examined and unopened hand sanitizer used as a control. Chlorhexidine gluconate and ethanol of each samples were measured by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively. The correlation between the concentration of each ingredient obtained and the number of days after opening, bottle weight, storage temperature and humidity was analyzed. A time-kill test based on ASTM E2315-03 was performed to confirm the actual disinfection effect. RESULTS It was observed that active ingredients had not been decreased up to 921 days after opening and were not affected by storage conditions after opening. In addition, a decrease of disinfection effect was not observed in any sample. CONCLUSIONS We found that hand sanitizers do not need to be discard after a number of days have passed because the active ingredients are retained even after opening in it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Kobayashi
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Infection Control and Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryosei Murai
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Infection Control and Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mami Nakae
- Division of Infection Control, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shinya Nirasawa
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan; Division of Infection Control, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koichi Asanuma
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koji Kuronuma
- Division of Infection Control, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan; Division of Infection Control, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Infection Control and Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
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12
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Duane B, Pilling J, Saget S, Ashley P, Pinhas AR, Lyne A. Hand hygiene with hand sanitizer versus handwashing: what are the planetary health consequences? Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:48736-48747. [PMID: 35199264 PMCID: PMC8865176 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In order to reduce the transmission of pathogens, and COVID-19, WHO and NHS England recommend hand washing (HW) and/or the use of hand sanitizer (HS). The planetary health consequences of these different methods of hand hygiene have not been quantified. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out to compare the environmental impact of the UK population practising increased levels of hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic for 1 year. Washing hands with soap and water was compared to using hand sanitizer (both ethanol and isopropanol based sanitizers were studied). The isopropanol-based HS had the lowest environmental impact in 14 out of the 16 impact categories used in this study. For climate change, hand hygiene using isopropanol HS produced the equivalent of 1060 million kg CO2, compared to 1460 million for ethanol HS, 2300 million for bar soap HW, and 4240 million for liquid soap HW. For both the ethanol and isopropanol HS, the active ingredient was the greatest overall contributing factor to the environmental impact (83.24% and 68.68% respectively). For HW with liquid soap and bar soap, there were additional contributing factors other than the soap itself: for example tap water use (28.12% and 48.68% respectively) and the laundering of a hand towel to dry the hands (10.17% and 17.92% respectively). All forms of hand hygiene have an environmental cost, and this needs to be weighed up against the health benefits of preventing disease transmission. When comparing hand sanitizers to handwashing with soap and water, this study found that using isopropanol based hand sanitizer is better for planetary health. However, no method of hand hygiene was ideal; isopropanol had a greater fossil fuel resource use than ethanol based hand sanitizer. More research is needed to find hand hygiene sources which do not diminish planetary health, and environmental impact is a consideration for public health campaigns around hand hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Duane
- Department of Public Health, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place, , Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jessica Pilling
- Department of Physics, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Sophie Saget
- Department of Public Health, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place, , Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Ashley
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Allan R. Pinhas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Alexandra Lyne
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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13
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Osama H, Abdelrahman MA. Sanitizer-associated systemic side effects in the era of COVID-19: a pharmacovigilance study. Beni Suef Univ J Basic Appl Sci 2022; 11:79. [PMID: 35730011 PMCID: PMC9188850 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The practice of proper hand sanitization became of utmost importance and one of the best protective measures during the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. However, misuse of disinfectants can be an overwhelming issue because of increasing demands, public panic, and unawareness, which can negatively affect human health and the environment. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the outbreak was associated with increased reports of adverse events related to hand sanitizers through the data of adverse events reported to the pharmacovigilance database of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). FAERS database was analyzed for hand sanitizer reports including alcohol-based and alcohol-free formulations. Results Adverse events reports associated with hand sanitizers increased significantly by 2020 with variable severity degrees, noting that most serious cases were reported with alcohol-based sanitizers. Conclusion Based on data mining of the FAERS database, we claim that the increased reports associated with alcohol hand sanitizer use deserve attention. However, FAER's database has some limitations, such as case duplication and lack of a control group. Hence, further monitoring with more robust sources of data sources is critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasnaa Osama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona A Abdelrahman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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14
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Filipe HAL, Fiuza SM, Henriques CA, Antunes FE. Antiviral and antibacterial activity of hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant formulations. Int J Pharm 2021; 609:121139. [PMID: 34592397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Emergent diseases caused by viral and bacterial infections have proven to be a current and future challenge. The occurrence of these diseases is usually accompanied by the lack of vaccines and dedicated therapies leaving prevention as the best strategy to adopt. In that context, and apart from confinement and physical distancing measures, an increase in hygiene actions, namely hand and surface cleaning and disinfection can reduce the infection spread originated from our day-to-day routines. However, during crisis situations the high disinfectants demand can very likely lead to having them running out of stock. This impels many individuals and companies to produce their own disinfectants. Here, we explore the main components of a disinfection formulation, both for hand-rub and surface cleaning. Alcohol and non-alcohol based formulations are described, including the possibility to fine tune the properties of the final product in order to increase public acceptance while maintaining product efficacy. The action mechanisms of the main active principles are also described conjugating information from experimental and theoretical data. Overall, the main aspects to develop a disinfectant formulation are addressed, as well as their function, helping formulation developers to better understand the impact of their choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo A L Filipe
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal; CPIRN-IPG-Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal.
| | - Sónia M Fiuza
- Science351, IPN (Edifício C) Rua Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - César A Henriques
- EcoXperience, HIESE, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, Portugal
| | - Filipe E Antunes
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
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15
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Su Y, Han J, Li J, Ren Z, Huang L, Xu B, Wei Q. Resistance of poliovirus 1 and enterovirus A71 against alcohol and other disinfectants. J Virol Methods 2021; 298:114292. [PMID: 34536486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Poliovirus 1 (PV 1) is the standard virus used in tests to support claims of virucidal property in commercial hand sanitizers and disinfectants in China. Classified within the same genus as poliovirus, enterovirus A71 (EV A71), which causes hand-foot-mouth disease among children, has caused numerous outbreaks in China and other countries. Hand hygiene and surface cleaning are critical to prevent and control this disease and many other infectious diseases. This study compared the efficacies of 17 self-made alcohol-based hand sanitizers and 10 commercially available disinfectants (4 high-level, 4 intermediate-level, 2 low-level) against these two viruses. The results showed that by itself, ethanol needed to reach a concentration of 75 % to meet the inactivation requirement of 4-log reduction in average TCID50 against PV 1. Nine out of 13 laboratory-formulated alcohol-based hand sanitizers reached the 4-log inactivation requirement against PV 1 after 4.5 min, while the remaining four sanitizers did not. Unexpectedly, none of the tested ethanol-based sanitizers inactivated EV A71 by 4-log. For the commercially available disinfectants, all four high-level and one intermediate-level disinfectants passed the inactivation requirements against both PV 1 and EV A71, while two intermediate-level disinfectants met the inactivation requirement against PV 1 but failed against EV A71. The last intermediate-level and both low-level disinfectants did not meet the requirement for either PV 1 or EV A71. Therefore, PV 1 is more susceptible to inactivation by many common alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based disinfectants than EV A71. Therefore, the adoption of EV A71 as the standard test virus would elevate the disinfectant requirement standard and provide better protection for the public. Based on these results, seven new alcohol-based hand sanitizer recipes were formulated and found to be effective against both PV 1 and EV A71, with two candidates reaching the required 4-log virus reduction efficacy within 1 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Su
- Center for Disease Prevention and Control of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Han
- Center for Disease Prevention and Control of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Mentougou District, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Ren
- Center for Disease Prevention and Control of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Liuyu Huang
- Center for Disease Prevention and Control of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Binjie Xu
- Guangzhou Kingtest Technology, Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuhua Wei
- Center for Disease Prevention and Control of People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.
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16
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Aodah AH, Bakr AA, Booq RY, Rahman MJ, Alzahrani DA, Alsulami KA, Alshaya HA, Alsuabeyl MS, Alyamani EJ, Tawfik EA. Preparation and evaluation of benzalkonium chloride hand sanitizer as a potential alternative for alcohol-based hand gels. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 29:807-14. [PMID: 34408542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hand hygiene is one of the effective measures for reducing the transmission of infections. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing ethanol or isopropanol are considered efficient alternatives to handwashing with water and soap. Despite being effective against a broad-spectrum of microbes, fining an effective alternative to the alcohol-based hand sanitizers became a necessity owning to the limitations associated with their use, such as skin dryness, irritant contact dermatitis, and intoxication upon their accidental ingestion. Furthermore, in certain circumstances when the demand for alcohol exceeds the supply, like in the current COVID19 pandemic, formulating an effective non-alcoholic hand sanitizer would be a potential solution. Therefore, in this study, a non-alcoholic hand sanitizer containing benzalkonium chloride (BKC) as an active ingredient was prepared and evaluated as a less irritant and more persistent hand sanitizer gel. The hand gel was characterized by pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Results showed that this product has low viscosity, high spreadability and pH of 6.3, which is less likely to cause skin irritation. The antibacterial assessment (zone of inhibition) of the BKC-based hand sanitizer demonstrated antibacterial activities against nine out of eleven gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, while the acceptability study on ten participants showed no signs of skin irritation nor redness upon its application. Consequently, this non-alcoholic based hand sanitizer is suggested as a potential alternative to alcohol-based hand gels.
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17
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Choi K, Sim S, Choi J, Park C, Uhm Y, Lim E, Kim AY, Yoo SJ, Lee Y. Changes in handwashing and hygiene product usage patterns in Korea before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Environ Sci Eur 2021; 33:79. [PMID: 34249592 PMCID: PMC8254429 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization declared COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and wearing facial masks are recommended as the first line of protection against COVID-19. Encouraging hand hygiene may be one of the most cost-effective means of reducing the global burden of disease. METHODS This study uses a web-based questionnaire to evaluate the usage patterns and consumer perceptions of the effectiveness and health safety of bar soap, liquid hand soap, and hand sanitizer products before and after the spread of COVID-19. RESULTS The results show that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of consumers who primarily use bar soap has decreased from 71.8 to 51.4%, the number of those who primarily use liquid hand soap has increased from 23.5 to 41.3%, and the number of those who use and carry hand sanitizer has increased. The frequency of use, duration of use, and amount used of all three products have increased significantly since the COVID-19 outbreak. Finally, consumer perception of the products' preventive effect against COVID-19 is higher for liquid hand soap and hand sanitizer than it is for bar soap. CONCLUSIONS Because use of hand sanitizers has increased, public health guidelines must address the potential risks associated them. Our data also show that the public is abiding by the recommendations of the regulatory authorities. As handwashing has become important in preventing COVID-19 infections, the results of our study will support the development of better handwashing guidelines and a public health campaign. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12302-021-00517-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- KeunOh Choi
- Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
| | - Seunghye Sim
- Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
| | - Junyeong Choi
- Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
| | - Choa Park
- Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
| | - Yoonhee Uhm
- Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations, SEOUL YWCA Bld. #701, 20, Myungdong11gil, Jung-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunkyung Lim
- Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations, SEOUL YWCA Bld. #701, 20, Myungdong11gil, Jung-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Augustine Yonghwi Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
| | - Seong Joon Yoo
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Software Convergence, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
| | - YoungJoo Lee
- Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Kwangjingu, Kunjadong, Seoul, 05006 Korea
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18
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Tse TJ, Purdy SK, Shen J, Nelson FB, Mustafa R, Wiens DJ, Reaney MJ. Toxicology of alcohol-based hand rubs formulated with technical-grade ethanol. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:785-792. [PMID: 33850733 PMCID: PMC8038936 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) formulated with technical-grade ethanol were temporarily permitted in Canada and the U.S beginning April 2020 to meet the current demand due to COVID-19. ABHRs formulated with technical-grade ethanol are low risk for general use. In this review, we discuss the toxicity of common contaminants found in technical-grade ethanol, as well as contaminants that may have been introduced into the products during formulation and packaging of ABHRs. Although primary route of exposure is via dermal absorption and inhalation, there have been reported elevated concerns regarding to ingestion of ABHRs. Overall, the highest risks were associated with methanol (for its toxicity), ethyl acetate (skin defattening), and acetaldehyde (carcinogenic and teratogenic). For these reasons Health Canada and the United States Food and Drug Administration have issued recalls on products containing some of these contaminants. More vigilant policing by regulatory agencies and general product users are required to ensure compliance, safety, and efficacy of these new products, as demand continue to rise during this unprecedented pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Tse
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Sarah K. Purdy
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Jianheng Shen
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Fina B. Nelson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Rana Mustafa
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Tide Diversified Inc., 102 Melville Street, Saskatoon, SK S7J 0R1, Canada
- Guangdong Saskatchewan Oilseed Joint Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Engineering, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Daniel J. Wiens
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Martin J.T. Reaney
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Tide Diversified Inc., 102 Melville Street, Saskatoon, SK S7J 0R1, Canada
- Guangdong Saskatchewan Oilseed Joint Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Engineering, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
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19
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Allegranzi B, Tartari E, Pittet D. "Seconds save lives - clean your hands": the 5 May 2021 World Health Organization SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign. J Hosp Infect 2021; 111:1-3. [PMID: 33691160 PMCID: PMC7937329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
To highlight the urgent need to save lives by implementing best practices in health care delivery, the slogan for 5 May 2021, world hand hygiene day, is “Seconds save lives – clean your hands”. The WHO campaign calls to action key stakeholders: health care workers, IPC practitioners, patients and families, facility managers, policy-makers, vaccinators, and the general public who can play critical roles in achieving optimal hand hygiene at the point of care, helping to strengthen society involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Allegranzi
- Infection Prevention and Control Technical and Clinical Hub, Department of Integrated Health Services, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Tartari
- Infection Prevention and Control Technical and Clinical Hub, Department of Integrated Health Services, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta; Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Pittet
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
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20
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Leslie RA, Zhou SS, Macinga DR. Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by commercially available alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:401-402. [PMID: 32818578 PMCID: PMC7431409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are being recommended as an infection prevention measure for COVID-19. Recently published data indicates that ethanol effectively inactivates the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but there is a lack of data for formulated hand sanitizer products currently used in U.S. healthcare and general settings. This study demonstrates a commercially available foam and gel alcohol-based hand sanitizer are effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in suspension.
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21
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Overbeek DL, Watson CJ, Castañeda NR, Ganetsky M. A Geographically Distinct Case of Fatal Methanol Toxicity from Ingestion of a Contaminated Hand Sanitizer Product During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Med Toxicol 2021; 17:218-21. [PMID: 33528767 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-021-00824-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered outbreaks of unanticipated toxicities, including methanol toxicity. Multiple methanol outbreaks have been described, including contaminated hand sanitizer in the southwest USA. In this case, we describe a fatal case of methanol toxicity from hand sanitizer ingestion, geographically separated from the outbreak in the southwest USA and prior to the announcement of nationwide warnings by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product was identified as one later recalled by the FDA for methanol contamination. Additionally, the consumption in this case was related to a desire to conceal alcohol consumption from family members. This case of methanol toxicity should increase awareness of the ease of which contaminated products can be widely distributed and of the use of alternative ethanol-containing products to obscure relapse in alcohol use disorder.
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22
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Balkrishna A, Singh K, Singh H, Haldar S, Varshney A. GermiX: A skin friendly hand sanitizer with prolonged effectivity against pathogenic bacteria. AMB Express 2020; 10:210. [PMID: 33259026 PMCID: PMC7705413 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-01151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has almost made hand sanitization a ritual resulting in a steep increase in the frequency of hand sanitization and an unprecedented surge in demand for hand sanitizers. In fact, several governments had to ration hand sanitizers in the retail outlets and over the counter chemist shops. Additionally, Indian government has put a cap on the prices of hand sanitizers. Currently, large sections of global and Indian population are grappling under financial crises. Therefore, mandatory hand sanitization has made an unwelcoming, yet unavoidable addition to the already-hard-to-maintain-grocery-list. Here, we have compared the anti-microbial efficacy of Patanjali Hand Sanitizer (PHS), developed and marketed by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (an India-based food and herbal medicine company) with one of the topmost hand sanitizers currently used under clinical set-ups. PHS has anti-microbial efficacy comparable to that of the standard hand sanitizer. Besides, disc diffusion and time-dependent thumb print assays showed that PHS has longer retentivity on the applied surfaces, suggesting lesser consumption of the sanitizer and concomitant relaxation on the monthly grocery budget. Observed anti-bacterial potency of PHS is attributed to the disruption of bacterial cell membrane, as employed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. A rough estimation revealed that PHS is ~ 4.3 times cost effective than the standard hand sanitizer used as the positive control in this study. Taken together, PHS is a suitable alternative for existing hand sanitizers available in the market that can relax the demand–supply strain and soften significantly the burden of monthly expenditure on hand sanitizers.
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23
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Ogilvie BH, Solis-Leal A, Lopez JB, Poole BD, Robison RA, Berges BK. Alcohol-free hand sanitizer and other quaternary ammonium disinfectants quickly and effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2. J Hosp Infect 2020; 108:142-145. [PMID: 33259880 PMCID: PMC7700010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the current global pandemic, COVID-19. Because this virus is novel, little is known about its sensitivity to disinfection. METHODS We performed suspension tests against SARS-CoV-2 using three commercially available quaternary ammonium compound (Quat) disinfectants and one laboratory-made 0.2% benzalkonium chloride solution. FINDINGS Three of the four formulations completely inactivated the virus within 15 s of contact, even in the presence of a soil load or when diluted in hard water. CONCLUSION Quats rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2, making them potentially useful for controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread in hospitals and the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Ogilvie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - A Solis-Leal
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - J B Lopez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - B D Poole
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - R A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - B K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
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Azor-Martinez E, Garcia-Fernandez L, Strizzi JM, Cantarero-Vallejo MD, Jimenez-Lorente CP, Balaguer-Martinez JV, Torres-Alegre P, Yui-Hifume R, Sanchez-Forte M, Gimenez-Sanchez F. Effectiveness of a hand hygiene program to reduce acute gastroenteritis at child care centers: A cluster randomized trial. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1315-1321. [PMID: 32303373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational and hand hygiene program in daycare centers (DCCs) and homes on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) incidence in children attending DCCs. METHODS A randomized, controlled, and open study of 911 children aged 0-3 years attending 24 DCCs in Almería (Spain) with an 8-month follow-up was employed. Two intervention groups of DCCs families performed educational and hand hygiene measures, 1 with soap and water (soap and water group; n = 274), another with hand sanitizer (hand sanitizer group [HSG]; n = 339), and the control group (CG; n = 298) followed usual handwashing procedures. We compared AGE episode rates with Poisson regression model. RESULTS seven hundred fourteen AGE episodes were registered, significant differences between HSG and CG children were found during December and January. A multivariate model was applied and the adjusted incidence rate ratios by rotavirus vaccination found significant differences when children were previously vaccinated, the children in the soap and water group had a higher risk of AGE episodes (incidence rate ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval:1.0-1.64), compared with those in the HSG. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that hand hygiene programs that included hand sanitizer were most effective in the winter months. Further, the largest reduction of AGE episodes occurred in the children that followed hand hygiene programs including hand sanitizer and educational measures for DCC staff, parents, and children, and were vaccinated for rotavirus.
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Abstract
The recent outbreak of CoVID-19 is declared as a global public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). A fresh figure of 2268011 positive cases and 155185 death records (till April 18th 2020) across the worldwide signify the severity of this viral infection. CoVID-19 infection is a pandemic, surface to surface communicable disease with a case fatality rate of 3.4% as estimated by WHO up to March 3rd 2020. Unfortunately, the current unavailability of an effective antiviral drug and approved vaccine, worsen the situation more critical. Implementation of an effective preventive measure is the only option left to counteract CoVID-19. Further, a retrospective analysis provides evidence that contemplates the decisive role of preventive measures in controlling severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003. A statistical surveillance report of WHO reflects, maintaining a coherent infection, prevention and control guideline resulted in a 30% reduction in healthcare-associated infections. The effectiveness of preventive measures completely relies on the strength of surface disinfectants, the composition of hand sanitizer, appropriate material for the manufacture of personal protective equipment (PPE). This review enlightens the various preventive measures such as a suitable selection of surface disinfectants, appropriate hand sanitization, and empowering the PPE that could be a potential intervention to fight against CoVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Pradhan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha O Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Prativa Biswasroy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha O Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Goutam Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha O Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Goutam Rath
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha O Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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Bánsághi S, Soule H, Guitart C, Pittet D, Haidegger T. Critical Reliability Issues of Common Type Alcohol-Based Handrub Dispensers. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:90. [PMID: 32571388 PMCID: PMC7310242 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene can only be efficient if the whole hand surface is treated with sufficient alcohol-based handrub (ABHR); therefore, the volume of handrub applied is a critical factor in patient safety. The proper amount of ABHR should be provided by handrub dispensers. The aim of this study was to investigate the dispensing performance of wall-mounted ABHR dispensers commonly employed in hospital settings. METHOD In a multicenter study, we tested 46 dispensers (22 in laboratory and 24 in clinical environments), measuring dispensed ABHR volume during continuous use and after a period of non-use. The influence of the pumping mechanism, liquid level, ABHR formats, handrub composition, temperature, and atmospheric pressure was investigated. RESULTS A total of 7 out of the 22 investigated dispensers (32%) lost a significant amount of handrub; greater than 30% of the nominal volume after 8 h of non-use, thus frequently dispensing suboptimal volume, as measured in laboratory settings. Key influencing factors were found to be handrub format (gel or liquid), handrub level in the container and type of dispenser. When gel ABHR was used, after 4 h of non-use of the dispensers, the volume of the dispensed amount of ABHR insignificantly changed (97% of the original amount), while it technically decreased to zero in the case of liquid ABHR (1% of the original amount). The liquid level had a medium effect on the dispensed volume in each investigated case; the magnitude of this effect varied widely depending on the dispensing mechanism. When dispensers were in continuous use, they dispensed a cumulated 3 mL of ABHR from two consecutive pushes, while when they were not in use for 1 h, up to 4 consecutive pushes were necessary to provide a total of 3 mL ABHR. Design and production quality were also identified as important contributing factors with respect to the volume dispensed. Data collected in clinical settings confirmed these findings, for multiple types of dispensers. CONCLUSION All ABHR dispensers should be regularly audited to control the reference volume distributed, with particular attention paid to regular mechanical pump units filled with liquid handrub.
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Affiliation(s)
- Száva Bánsághi
- Department of Epidemiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hervé Soule
- University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Guitart
- University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Pittet
- University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tamás Haidegger
- University Research and Innovation Center (EKIK), Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Austrian Center for Medical Innovation and Technology (ACMIT), Wiener Neustadt, Austria.
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Wilson AM, Reynolds KA, Jaykus LA, Escudero-Abarca B, Gerba CP. Comparison of estimated norovirus infection risk reductions for a single fomite contact scenario with residual and nonresidual hand sanitizers. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:538-544. [PMID: 31676157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to relate experimentally measured log10 human norovirus reductions for a nonresidual (60% ethanol) and a residual (quaternary ammonium-based) hand sanitizer to infection risk reductions. METHODS Human norovirus log10 reductions on hands for both sanitizers were experimentally measured using the ASTM International Standard E1838-10 method, with modification. Scenarios included product application to: (1) inoculated fingerpads with 30- and 60-second contact times, and (2) hands followed by inoculation with human norovirus immediately and 4 hours later. Hand sanitizer efficacies were used in a mathematical model estimating norovirus infection risk from a single hand-to-fomite contact under low and high environmental contamination conditions. RESULTS The largest log10 reductions for the residual and nonresidual hand sanitizers were for a 60-second contact time, reducing infection risk by approximately 99% and 85%, respectively. Four hours after application, the residual hand sanitizer reduced infection risks by 78.5% under high contamination conditions, whereas the nonresidual hand sanitizer offered no reduction. DISCUSSION Log10 virus and infection risk reductions were consistently greater for the residual hand sanitizer under all scenarios. Further data describing residual hand sanitizer efficacy with additional contamination or tactile events are needed. CONCLUSIONS Residual antinoroviral hand sanitizers may reduce infection risks for up to 4 hours.
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Phan HT, Zingg W, Tran HTT, Dinh APP, Pittet D. Sustained effects of a multimodal campaign aiming at hand hygiene improvement on compliance and healthcare-associated infections in a large gynaecology/obstetrics tertiary-care centre in Vietnam. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:51. [PMID: 32276646 PMCID: PMC7146877 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hung Vuong Hospital (HVH) is a 900-bed maternity hospital in Ho-Chi-Minh-City, Vietnam. Due to low compliance, a quasi-experimental, observational study was conducted with the aim to improve hand hygiene. Methods A multimodal promotion strategy was established in 2010 and further developed towards ongoing, repetitive and inventive campaigns including patient participation. Hand hygiene compliance was monitored by direct observation and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by applying standard definitions. Results Between 2010 and 2018, a total of 43,711 hand hygiene opportunities were observed. Compliance improved from 21.5% (95%CI: 20.2–22.8%) in 2010 to 75.1% (73.9–76.2%) in 2018 (incidence rate ratio, IRR , 1.10; 95%CI, 1.10–1.11). This was achieved through increasing recourse to alcohol-based hand rubbing. A total of 554,720 women were admitted to HVH during the study period for 353,919 deliveries (198,679 vaginal; 155,240 by C-section) and 257,127 surgical procedures. The HAI-incidence decreased significantly from 1.10 episodes per 1000 patient-days in 2010 to 0.45 per 1000 patient-days in 2018 (IRR 0.85; 95%CI, 0.79–0.90). Significant improvement was observed also for surgical site infections after gynaecological surgery (IRR 0.95; 95%CI, 0.92–0.99) and endometritis after abortion (IRR 0.80; 95%CI, 0.68–0.93). Conclusions A multimodal strategy aiming at behaviour change significantly improved and sustained hand hygiene, which contributed to the reduction of healthcare-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Thi Phan
- Infection control programme, Hung Vuong hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Walter Zingg
- Infection control programme and WHO collaborating centre on patient safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Hang Thi Thuy Tran
- Infection control programme, Hung Vuong hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Didier Pittet
- Infection control programme and WHO collaborating centre on patient safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
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Onyedibe KI, Shehu NY, Pires D, Isa SE, Okolo MO, Gomerep SS, Ibrahim C, Igbanugo SJ, Odesanya RU, Olayinka A, Egah DZ, Pittet D. Assessment of hand hygiene facilities and staff compliance in a large tertiary health care facility in northern Nigeria: a cross sectional study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:30. [PMID: 32046790 PMCID: PMC7014740 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-0693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is 2 to 18 times higher in developing countries. However, few data are available regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) process indicators in these countries. We evaluated hand hygiene (HH) facilities and compliance amongst healthcare workers (HCW) in a 600-bed healthcare facility in Northcentral Nigeria providing tertiary care service for a catchment population of about 20 million. Methods An in-house facility assessment tool and the World Health Organization (WHO) direct observation method were used to assess the HH facilities and compliance, respectively. Factors associated with good compliance were determined by multivariate analysis. Results The facility survey was carried out in all 46 clinical units of the hospital. 72% of the units had no poster or written policy on HH; 87% did not have alcohol-based hand rubs; 98% had at least one handwash sink; 28% had flowing tap water all day while 72% utilized cup and bucket; and 58% had no hand drying facilities. A total of 406 HH opportunities were observed among 175 HCWs. The overall compliance was 31%, ranging from 18% among ward attendants to 82% among medical students. Based on WHO “5 moments” for HH, average compliance was 21% before patient contact, 23% before aseptic procedure, 63% after body fluid exposure risk, 41% after patient contact and 40% after contact with patients’ surrounding. Being a medical student was independently associated with high HH compliance, adjusted odds ratio: 13.87 (1.70–112.88). Conclusions Availability of HH facilities and HCW compliance in a large tertiary hospital in Nigeria is poor. Our findings confirm that HCWs seem more sensitized to their risk of exposure to potential pathogens than to the prevention of HAI cross-transmission. Inadequate HH facilities probably contributed to the poor compliance. Specific measures such as improved facilities, training and monitoring are needed to improve HH compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Y Shehu
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Daniela Pires
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety - Infection Control & Improving Practices, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Samson E Isa
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Mark O Okolo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Simji S Gomerep
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Comfort Ibrahim
- Department of Nursing Services, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Sunday J Igbanugo
- Department of Pharmacy, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Rachel U Odesanya
- Department of Pharmacy, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Adebola Olayinka
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Z Egah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety - Infection Control & Improving Practices, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Lotfinejad N, Assadi R, Aelami MH, Pittet D. Emojis in public health and how they might be used for hand hygiene and infection prevention and control. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020; 9:27. [PMID: 32041666 PMCID: PMC7011445 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emojis are frequently used picture characters known as possible surrogates for non-verbal aspects of behavior. Considering the ability of emojis to enhance and facilitate communication, there has been a growing interest in studying their effects in scientific and health-related topics over the past few years. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a field of medicine that is directly associated with specific behaviors. These include hand hygiene, which is the cornerstone of the prevention of healthcare-associated infections, and essential in stemming the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This paper aims to provide an overview of how emojis have been used in the medical and public health literature and proposes their possible use in IPC and hand hygiene to put forth a vision for the future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Lotfinejad
- Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Hand Hygiene and Infection Control Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Assadi
- E-Learning Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Aelami
- Department of Pediatrics & Hand Hygiene and Infection Control Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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Peters A, Frat E, Iten A, Sauser J, Schibler M, Pittet D. Alcohol-based hand rub and influenza A: the danger of publishing a flawed study with no clinical relevance. J Hosp Infect 2019; 104:120-122. [PMID: 31606432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Peters
- Infection Control Program and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, The University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Frat
- Intermountain LDS Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - A Iten
- Infection Control Program and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, The University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J Sauser
- Infection Control Program and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, The University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Schibler
- Infectious Diseases Division and National Reference Centers for Influenza and Emerging Viruses, The University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Pittet
- Infection Control Program and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, The University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Vermeil T, Peters A, Kilpatrick C, Pires D, Allegranzi B, Pittet D. Hand hygiene in hospitals: anatomy of a revolution. J Hosp Infect 2018; 101:383-392. [PMID: 30237118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. Performing hand hygiene is widely accepted as a key strategy of infection prevention and control (IPC) to prevent HAIs, as healthcare workers' contaminated hands are the vehicle most often implicated in the cross-transmission of pathogens in health care. Over the last 20 years, a paradigm shift has occurred in hand hygiene: the change from handwashing with soap and water to using alcohol-based hand rubs. In order to put this revolution into context and understand how such a change was able to be implemented across so many different cultures and geographic regions, it is useful to understand how the idea of hygiene in general, and hand hygiene specifically, developed. This paper aims to examine how ideas about hygiene and hand hygiene evolved from ancient to modern times, from a ubiquitous but local set of ideas to a global phenomenon. It reviews historical landmarks from the first known documented recipe for soap by the Babylon civilization to the discovery of chlorine, and significant contributions by pioneers such as Antoine Germain Labarraque, Alexander Gordon, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Ignaz Philip Semmelweis, Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister. It recalls that handwashing with soap and water appeared in guidelines to prevent HAIs in the 1980s; describes why alcohol-based hand rub replaced this as the central tool for action within a multi-modal improvement strategy; and looks at how the World Health Organization and other committed stakeholders, governments and dedicated IPC staff are championing hand hygiene globally.
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MESH Headings
- Cross Infection/prevention & control
- Hand Hygiene/history
- Hand Hygiene/methods
- History, 15th Century
- History, 16th Century
- History, 17th Century
- History, 18th Century
- History, 19th Century
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- History, Ancient
- History, Medieval
- Hospitals
- Humans
- Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient/prevention & control
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vermeil
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Peters
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Kilpatrick
- Infection Prevention and Control Global Unit, Department of Service Delivery and Safety, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Pires
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - B Allegranzi
- Infection Prevention and Control Global Unit, Department of Service Delivery and Safety, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Pittet
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Alhmidi H, Cadnum JL, Piedrahita CT, John AR, Donskey CJ. Evaluation of an automated ultraviolet-C light disinfection device and patient hand hygiene for reduction of pathogen transfer from interactive touchscreen computer kiosks. Am J Infect Control 2018; 46:464-467. [PMID: 29174655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Touchscreens are a potential source of pathogen transmission. In our facility, patients and visitors rarely perform hand hygiene after using interactive touchscreen computer kiosks. An automated ultraviolet-C touchscreen disinfection device was effective in reducing bacteriophage MS2, bacteriophage ϕX174, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile spores inoculated onto a touchscreen. In simulations, an automated ultraviolet-C touchscreen disinfection device alone or in combination with hand hygiene reduced transfer of the viruses from contaminated touchscreens to fingertips.
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Deschênes P, Chano F, Dionne LL, Pittet D, Longtin Y. Efficacy of the World Health Organization-recommended handwashing technique and a modified washing technique to remove Clostridium difficile from hands. Am J Infect Control 2017; 45:844-848. [PMID: 28526314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended handwashing technique against Clostridium difficile is uncertain, and whether it could be improved remains unknown. Also, the benefit of using a structured technique instead of an unstructured technique remains unclear. METHODS This study was a prospective comparison of 3 techniques (unstructured, WHO, and a novel technique dubbed WHO shortened repeated [WHO-SR] technique) to remove C difficile. Ten participants were enrolled and performed each technique. Hands were contaminated with 3 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) of a nontoxigenic strain containing 90% spores. Efficacy was assessed using the whole-hand method. The relative efficacy of each technique and of a structured (either WHO or WHO-SR) vs an unstructured technique were assessed by Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS The median effectiveness of the unstructured, WHO, and WHO-SR techniques in log10 CFU reduction was 1.30 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.27-1.43), 1.71 (IQR, 1.34-1.91), and 1.70 (IQR, 1.54-2.42), respectively. The WHO-SR technique was significantly more efficacious than the unstructured technique (P = .01). Washing hands with a structured technique was more effective than washing with an unstructured technique (median, 1.70 vs 1.30 log10 CFU reduction, respectively; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS A structured washing technique is more effective than an unstructured technique against C difficile.
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Chadwick S, Neskoski M, Spindler X, Lennard C, Roux C. Effect of hand sanitizer on the performance of fingermark detection techniques. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:153-60. [PMID: 28279942 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hand sanitizers have seen a rapid increase in popularity amongst the general population and this increased use has led to the belief that hand sanitizers may have an effect on subsequent fingermark detection. Based on this hypothesis, three alcoholic and two non-alcoholic hand sanitizers were evaluated to determine the effect they had on the detection of fingermarks deposited after their use. The following fingermark detection methods were applied: 1,2-indanedione-zinc, ninhydrin, physical developer (porous substrate); and cyanoacrylate, rhodamine 6G, magnetic powder (non-porous substrate). Comparison between hand sanitized fingermarks and non-hand sanitized fingermarks showed that the alcohol-based hand sanitizers did not result in any visible differences in fingermark quality. The non-alcoholic hand sanitizers, however, improved the quality of fingermarks developed with 1,2-indanedione-zinc and ninhydrin, and marginally improved those developed with magnetic powder. Different parameters, including time since hand sanitizer application prior to fingermark deposition and age of deposited mark, were tested to determine the longevity of increased development quality. The non-alcoholic hand sanitized marks showed no decrease in quality when aged for up to two weeks. The time since sanitizer application was determined to be an important factor that affected the quality of non-alcoholic hand sanitized fingermarks. It was hypothesized that the active ingredient in non-alcoholic hand sanitizers, benzalkonium chloride, is responsible for the increase in fingermark development quality observed with amino acid reagents, while the increased moisture content present on the ridges resulted in better powdered fingermarks.
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Ochwoto M, Muita L, Talaam K, Wanjala C, Ogeto F, Wachira F, Osman S, Kimotho J, Ndegwa L. Anti-bacterial efficacy of alcoholic hand rubs in the Kenyan market, 2015. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2017; 6:17. [PMID: 28138386 PMCID: PMC5264297 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-017-0174-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hand hygiene is known to be effective in preventing hospital and community-acquired infections. The increasing number of hand sanitizer brands in Kenyan hospitals and consumer outlets is of concern. Thus the main aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-bacterial efficacy and organoleptic properties of these hand sanitizers in Kenya. Methods This was an experimental, laboratory-based study of 14 different brands of hand sanitizers (coded HS1-14) available in various retail outlets and hospitals in Kenya. Efficacy was evaluated using standard non-pathogenic Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) as per the European Standard (EN). The logarithmic reduction factors (RF) were assessed at baseline and after treatment, and log reduction then calculated. Ten and 25 healthy volunteers participated in the efficacy and organoleptic studies respectively. Results Four (28.6%) hand sanitizers (HS12, HS9, HS13 and HS14) showed a 5.9 reduction factor on all the three bacteria strains. Seven (50%) hand sanitizers had efficacies of <3 against all the three bacteria strains used. Efficacy on E. Coli was higher compared to the other pathogens. Three hand sanitizers were efficacious on one of the pathogens and not the other. In terms of organoleptic properties, gel-based formulations were rated far higher than the liquid based formulations brands. Conclusion Fifty percent (50%) of the selected hand sanitizers in the Kenyan market have efficacy that falls below the World Health Organization (WHO) and DIN EN 1500:2013. Of the 14 hand sanitizers found in the Kenyan market, only four showed efficacies that were comparable to the WHO-formulation. There is a need to evaluate how many of these products with <3 efficacy that have been incorporated into the health system for hand hygiene and the country’s policy on regulations on their usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Missiani Ochwoto
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lucy Muita
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keith Talaam
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cecilia Wanjala
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Frank Ogeto
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Faith Wachira
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Saida Osman
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Kimotho
- Production Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linus Ndegwa
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
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Zingg W, Haidegger T, Pittet D. Hand coverage by alcohol-based handrub varies: Volume and hand size matter. Am J Infect Control 2016; 44:1689-1691. [PMID: 27566875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Visitors of an infection prevention and control conference performed hand hygiene with 1, 2, or 3 mL ultraviolet light-traced alcohol-based handrub. Coverage of palms, dorsums, and fingertips were measured by digital images. Palms of all hand sizes were sufficiently covered when 2 mL was applied, dorsums of medium and large hands were never sufficiently covered. Palmar fingertips were sufficiently covered when 2 or 3 mL was applied, and dorsal fingertips were never sufficiently covered.
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Feldman L, Galili E, Cohen Y, Hartal M, Yavnai N, Netzer I. Routine chlorhexidine gluconate use onboard navy surface vessels to reduce infection: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Am J Infect Control 2016; 44:1535-1538. [PMID: 27350113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.04.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand disinfection with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is commonly used for preventing the spread of infection in medical institutions and the community, but studies on its use in military settings have been inconclusive. We examined the effects of CHG on morbidity in Israeli Navy ships. METHODS This was a controlled, cluster randomized study that took place at a major naval base in Israel. Ships were randomly selected into the study (347 sailors) and primary control (350 sailors) groups. Additional nonintervention control groups included other sailors serving on the base (n = 360) and logistics and support personnel (n = 859). CHG disinfection devices were installed on all ships in the study group, alongside soap and water. Morbidity was analyzed using a computerized patient record, subjective self-report questionnaires, and a sample of hand cultures. Compliance with hand hygiene was analyzed using a self-report hygiene attitudes questionnaire at the beginning of the trial and after 3 months. The study took place between May and September 2014. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of sick days or light-duty days or in the number of acute gastrointestinal or respiratory cases. Sailors were found to have more skin infections than controls, but this was not significantly reduced by CHG. Hand cultures demonstrated that continuous use of CHG did not cause a reduction in colonization. There were no statistically significant differences in self-reported hygiene practices. CONCLUSIONS CHG did not demonstrate any medical benefit over the use of soap and water onboard Israeli Navy ships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Feldman
- Medical Branch, Israeli Navy, Tel Aviv, Israel; Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel; Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine Family Residency Program, Glen Cove, NY.
| | - Eran Galili
- Medical Branch, Israeli Navy, Tel Aviv, Israel; Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yuval Cohen
- Medical Branch, Israeli Navy, Tel Aviv, Israel; Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Nirit Yavnai
- Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itamar Netzer
- Medical Branch, Israeli Navy, Tel Aviv, Israel; Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Edmonds-Wilson S, Campbell E, Fox K, Macinga D. Comparison of 3 in vivo methods for assessment of alcohol-based hand rubs. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:506-9. [PMID: 25726133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are the primary method of hand hygiene in health-care settings. ICPs increasingly are assessing ABHR product efficacy data as improved products and test methods are developed. As a result, ICPs need better tools and recommendations for how to assess and compare ABHRs. METHODS Two ABHRs (70% ethanol) were tested according to 3 in vivo methods approved by ASTM International: E1174, E2755, and E2784. Log10 reductions were measured after a single test product use and after 10 consecutive uses at an application volume of 2 mL. RESULTS The test method used had a significant influence on ABHR efficacy; however, in this study the test product (gel or foam) did not significantly influence efficacy. In addition, for all test methods, log10 reductions obtained after a single application were not predictive of results after 10 applications. CONCLUSIONS Choice of test method can significantly influence efficacy results. Therefore, when assessing antimicrobial efficacy data of hand hygiene products, ICPs should pay close attention to the test method used, and ensure that product comparisons are made head to head in the same study using the same test methodology.
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Czerwinski SE, Cozean J, Cozean C. Novel water-based antiseptic lotion demonstrates rapid, broad-spectrum kill compared with alcohol antiseptic. J Infect Public Health 2014; 7:199-204. [PMID: 24810728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel alcohol-based antiseptic and a novel water-based antiseptic lotion, both with a synergistic combination of antimicrobial ingredients containing 0.2% benzethonium chloride, were evaluated using the standard time-kill method against 25 FDA-specified challenge microorganisms. The purpose of the testing was to determine whether a non-alcohol product could have equivalent rapid and broad-spectrum kill to a traditional alcohol sanitizer. Both the alcohol- and water-based products showed rapid and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The average 15-s kill was 99.999% of the challenge organism for the alcohol-based antiseptic and 99.971% for the water-based antiseptic. The alcohol-based product demonstrated 100% of peak efficacy (60s) within the first 15s, whereas the water-based product showed 99.97%. The novel alcohol-based antiseptic reduced concentrations of 100% of organisms by 99.999%, whereas the water-based antiseptic lotion showed the same reduction for 96% of organisms. A novel water-based antiseptic product demonstrated equivalent rapid, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity to an alcohol-based sanitizer and provided additional benefits of reduced irritation, persistent effect, and greater efficacy against common viruses. The combination of rapid, broad-spectrum immediate kill and persistent efficacy against pathogens may have significant clinical benefit in limiting the spread of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Czerwinski
- Innovative BioDefense, Inc., 21581 Midcrest Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States.
| | - Jesse Cozean
- Innovative BioDefense, Inc., 21581 Midcrest Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States
| | - Colette Cozean
- Innovative BioDefense, Inc., 21581 Midcrest Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630, United States
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Azor-Martínez E, Gonzalez-Jimenez Y, Seijas-Vazquez ML, Cobos-Carrascosa E, Santisteban-Martínez J, Martínez-López JM, Jimenez-Noguera E, Galan-Requena MDM, Garrido-Fernández P, Strizzi JM, Gimenez-Sanchez F. The impact of common infections on school absenteeism during an academic year. Am J Infect Control 2014; 42:632-7. [PMID: 24837113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School absenteeism because of infections is one of the most important problems facing both public and private primary schools. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of infections on school absenteeism and their reduction with a handwashing program using hand sanitizer. METHODS The study was an 8-month-long, randomized, controlled open study (N = 1,609 children, aged 4-12 years old) at 5 state schools in Almeria (Spain). The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, complemented with the use of hand sanitizer, and the control group (CG) followed the usual handwashing procedure. The total number of episodes and days missed as well as those because of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections were compared in both groups with a Z-test. RESULTS The students were absent 12,386 days in 7,945 episodes. The incidence of total absent episodes and percent of missed days, including those because of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections, were significantly lower in the EG than the CG (P < .001), and this was maintained through the flu pandemic period. CONCLUSION School absenteeism because of infections in schools is reduced when a hand hygiene program utilizing sanitizing gels is properly carried out, especially during the flu season.
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