Environmental meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) disinfection using dry-mist-generated hydrogen...

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Environmental Hygiene
• Microbiology

Background:

• Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global healthcare challenge.
• While hand hygiene is key, the role of inanimate hospital environments as MRSA reservoirs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide vapor (Sterinis®) in eradicating MRSA from hospital environments.
• To evaluate MRSA reduction on upholstered furniture and in a domestic setting.

Main Methods:

• Experimental and field trial designs were employed.
• MRSA detection and quantification utilized dipslides before and after Sterinis® disinfection.
• Testing included controlled environments, contaminated upholstered chairs, and a private residence.

Main Results:

• MRSA strains survived one week in experimental settings but were eliminated by Sterinis®.
• In field trial one, 14% of chairs were MRSA-positive; disinfection rendered three chairs MRSA-negative immediately, and the fourth within 24 hours.
• In field trial two, one location remained MRSA-positive after Sterinis® cycles in a private home.

Conclusions:

• Sterinis® hydrogen peroxide vapor demonstrated effectiveness against MRSA in controlled hospital settings and on upholstered chairs.
• The disinfection method was less effective in a private home environment with heavily MRSA-colonized individuals.