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Use of atmospheric non-thermal plasma as a disinfectant for objects contaminated with methicillin-resistant

Monica L Burts1, Igor Alexeff, Eric T Meek

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.

American Journal of Infection Control
|June 30, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Atmospheric, non-thermal plasma discharge effectively kills Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus), including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), and disinfects hospital pagers. This novel disinfection method shows promise for healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Plasma Physics
  • Infectious Disease Control

Background:

  • Healthcare-associated infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a growing global concern.
  • Current infection control measures are insufficient to curb the rise of MRSA infections.
  • Novel disinfection strategies are urgently needed to combat MRSA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of atmospheric, non-thermal plasma discharge as a disinfection method.
  • To determine the effectiveness of plasma in killing Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA.
  • To assess the potential of plasma for disinfecting hospital equipment.

Main Methods:

  • Testing the killing effect of atmospheric, non-thermal plasma discharge on Staphylococcus aureus strains.
  • Investigating the disinfection of experimentally contaminated hospital pagers using plasma.
  • Evaluating the impact of plasma exposure on epithelial cells.

Main Results:

  • Plasma exposure achieved up to a 4- to 5-log(10) reduction in S aureus within 10 minutes.
  • MRSA USA300 strains exhibited greater resistance to plasma killing compared to other strains.
  • Complete disinfection of MRSA-contaminated hospital pagers was achieved in as little as 30 seconds.
  • Plasma treatment was not toxic to epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

  • Atmospheric, non-thermal plasma discharge is a promising technology for surface and object disinfection in hospitals.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the application of plasma disinfection in clinical settings.
  • Specific MRSA strains, such as USA300, may require tailored disinfection protocols due to increased resistance.

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