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.

被引量：- 发表：1970

Prevalence of self-medication practices with antibiotics and associated factors among students in five colleges in Eritrea: a cross-sectional study.

被引量：- 发表：1970

Pharmacies and use of antibiotics: a cross sectional study in 19 Arab countries.

被引量：- 发表：1970

Should my child be given antibiotics? A systematic review of parental decision making in rural and remote locations.

被引量：- 发表：1970

Surveillance of antimicrobial utilization in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prescription rates, indications, and quality of use from point prevalence surveys.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern that is fueled by the overuse of antimicrobial agents. Low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa,. Point prevalence surveys (PPS) have been recognized as valuable tools for assessing antimicrobial utilization and guiding quality improvement initiatives. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prescription rates, indications, and quality of antimicrobial use in African health facilities. A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Hinari (Research4Life) and Google Scholar. Studies reporting the point prevalence of antimicrobial prescription or use in healthcare settings using validated PPS tools were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to combine the estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Q statistics, I² statistics, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test, with a p-value of < 0.05 indicating the presence of bias. Out of 1790 potential studies identified, 32 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prescription rate in acute care hospitals was 60%, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99%, p < 0.001). Therapeutic prescriptions constituted 62% of all the prescribed antimicrobials. Prescription quality varied: documentation of reasons in notes was 64%, targeted therapy was 10%, and parenteral prescriptions were 65%, with guideline compliance at 48%. Hospital-acquired infections comprised 20% of all prescriptions. Subgroup analyses revealed regional disparities in antimicrobial prescription prevalence, with Western Africa showing a prevalence of 65% and 44% in Southern Africa. Publication bias adjustment estimated the prescription rate at 54.8%, with sensitivity analysis confirming minor variances among studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide valuable insights into antimicrobial utilization in African health facilities. The findings highlight the need for improved antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs to address the high prevalence of irrational antimicrobial prescribing. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting regular surveillance through PPS to gather reliable data on antimicrobial usage, inform policy development, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at mitigating AMR.

被引量：- 发表：1970