Evaluation of an automated far ultraviolet-C light technology for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viruses in bathrooms.

Aerosols generated during toilet flushing are a potential source for transmission of viral and bacterial pathogens in bathrooms. However, manual decontamination of bathrooms after each use is not feasible. We tested the efficacy of a wall-mounted far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light technology that only delivers far UV-C when people are not present for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viral particles in an unoccupied hospital bathroom. A quantitative disk carrier test method was used to test efficacy against organisms on steel disk carriers placed in 9 sites in the bathroom with an exposure time of 45 min and 2 h; Clostridioides difficile spores were also exposed for 24 h. Efficacy against aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 was tested with a 45-minute exposure. The far UV-C technology reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Candida auris, and bacteriophage MS2 on steel disk carriers by ≥ 1.2 log10 (range, 1.2 to 4.2 log10) at all test sites after 2 h of exposure. The technology reduced C. difficile spores by < 1 log10 after 2 h exposure, but 4 of 9 test locations had ≥ 2 log10 reductions after 24 h exposure. Aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 was reduced by 4 log10 plaque-forming units in 45 min. The far UV-C light technology could potentially be useful for automated decontamination of air and surfaces in bathrooms in healthcare and community settings.

Kaple CE ，Memic S ，Cadnum JL ，Donskey CJ ... -  《Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control》

Efficacy of a far-ultraviolet-C light technology for continuous decontamination of air and surfaces.

Memic S ，Osborne AO ，Cadnum JL ，Donskey CJ ... -  《-》

Evaluation of a hand-held far-ultraviolet radiation device for decontamination of Clostridium difficile and other healthcare-associated pathogens.

Nerandzic MM ，Cadnum JL ，Eckart KE ，Donskey CJ ... -  《-》

Evaluation of an automated ultraviolet radiation device for decontamination of Clostridium difficile and other healthcare-associated pathogens in hospital rooms.

Nerandzic MM ，Cadnum JL ，Pultz MJ ，Donskey CJ ... -  《-》

Efficacy of an ultraviolet-A lighting system for continuous decontamination of health care-associated pathogens on surfaces.

We found that ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light exposure resulted in a modest reduction in recovery of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Candida auris, bacteriophage MS2, and bacteriophage Phi X174, but not Clostridioides difficile spores, on steel disk carriers. Four hours of UV-A exposure from a ceiling light fixture resulted in a significant reduction in pathogenic microorganisms recovered from in-use medical equipment. These findings suggest that UV-A could be useful as a means to provide continuous low-level decontamination of surfaces in health care facilities.

Livingston SH ，Cadnum JL ，Benner KJ ，Donskey CJ ... -  《-》