A Manual Disinfection Enhancement Method utilizing a Pulsed-Xenon Ultraviolet Device in Accordance with the Effect on the Contamination Levels of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Abstract

In hospitals, Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection lowers the rates of nosocomial infections; surface decontamination systems using Pulsed Xenon Ultraviolet light (PPX-UV) may be useful in lowering the microbiological load. This study aims to evaluate and compare Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) using manual plus PPX-UV disinfection technology versus standard manual room cleaning. Samples of high-touch surfaces from 20 rooms were taken both before and after both group the manual cleaning alone and the manual plus PPX-UV. Post-cleaning results showed a notable reduction in colony counts for both VRE (99%) and MRSA (98%) when comparing manual cleaning to manual plus PPX-UV treatment. The manual method showed higher colony counts for both bacteria compared to the manual plus PPX-UV method, with statistically significant differences in incidence rate ratios observed (p < .05). The study findings demonstrate that while manual cleaning methods can reduce microbial load, the manual plus PPX-UV method is notably more effective in achieving lower colony counts post-cleaning. This study underscores the importance of employing effective disinfection strategies in healthcare environments.