Igiene e Sanità Pubblica 2023; 81 (1):1-12
Michele Totaro1, Francesco Castellani2, Francesca Di Serafino1, Nunzio Zotti1, Federica Badalucco1, David Rocchi1, Sara Civitelli1, Giulia Geminale1, Davide Masetti2, Angelo Baggiani1
1 Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa.
2 Damamed Srl, S.Lazzaro di Savena, Italy
Background
Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are closely related to several factors, such as prolonged hospital stay in high-risk areas and intensive care units, potentially predisposing underlying conditions. It has also been demonstrated that HAI incidence may be related to non-respected standards of assistance, such as not adequately cleaned structures or medical devices contaminated by environmental bacteria and multidrug resistant enterobacteria.
Objective
In this case it has been carried on an efficacy evaluation of a microionization system using potassium peroxymonosulfate (KMPS) for outpatient clinics indoor air disinfection. Material and methods: Two outpatient clinics (AMB-1 and AMB-2) were treated with KMPS (1% and 2% concentration), at the end of routinary clinic activities.
Microbial sampling of air (settle plates) and surfaces (contact plates) were submitted before and after sanitizing, checking total microbial load at 37°C, possible opportunistic pathogens and moulds.
Results
Sanitizing system at 1% concentration was efficient in mesophilic bacteria reduction (max 83%). Moreover, total abatement of Klebsiella pneumoniae in AMB1 and Acinetobacter lwoffi in AMB2 has been seen, both on surfaces. Regarding air samplings, 89% moulds reduction has been seen, as observed on surfaces. Scaling up concentration to 2%, mesophilic bacteria reduction was ≥ 94%, both in air and on surfaces of the outpatient clinics. Same results have also been seen on moulds, whose maximum reduction was 97%.
Discussion
Comparing results at different concentrations it has been observed that 2% KMPS induces an higher average reduction of mesophilic bacteria and moulds than 1%. Background : In this regard, microbial reduction percentage, either on surfaces or in the air, can be considered positive for outpatient clinics and healthcare settings indoor decontamination.