Despite considerable efforts, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be globally responsible for serious morbidity, increased costs and prolonged length of stay. Among potentially preventable sources of microbial pathogens causing HAIs, patient care items and environmental surfaces frequently touched play an important role in the chain of transmission. Microorganisms contaminating such high-touch surfaces include Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, yeasts and parasites, with improved cleaning and disinfection effectively decreasing the rate of HAIs. Manual and automated surface cleaning strategies used in the control of infectious outbreaks are discussed and current trends concerning the prevention of contamination by the use of antimicrobial surfaces are taken into consideration in this manuscript.

Background The novel SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the most recent pandemic faced by humanity, has become a global crisis causing millions of deaths. The virus is transmitted by inhalation of infectious particles suspended in the air, direct deposition on mucous membranes and indirect contact via contaminated surfaces. Therefore, disinfection methods that can halt such transmission are important in this pandemic and in future viral infections. Aim Highlight the efficacy of several disinfection methods against SARS-CoV-2, based on up-to-date evidence found in literature. Methods A research was conducted through two databases to assess the disinfection methods used against SARS-CoV-2. From a total of 1229 studies found, 60 were included. Quality assessment was evaluated by the OHAT risk of bias tool. Findings Disinfection methods on environmental surfaces were approached by 28 studies; 16 articles addressed disinfection methods used on biological surfaces; 4 articles presented disinfection methods for airborne coronavirus and 16 studies demonstrated methods used to recondition PPEs. Conclusions Several household and hospital disinfection agents and UV-C irradiation were effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces. Formulations containing povidone-iodine can provide virucidal action on the skin and mucous membranes. In the case of hand hygiene, typical soap bars and alcohols can inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Air filtration systems incorporated with materials that possess catalytic properties, UV-C devices and heating systems can effectively reduce airborne viral particles. The decontamination of PPEs can be conducted safely by heat and ozone treatment.