Application of a novel decontamination process using gaseous ozone.

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Infection control
• Applied chemistry

Background:

• Environmental disinfection is crucial for healthcare infection control.
• Vapor- and gas-based treatments are emerging for surface and room decontamination.
• Ozone (O3) is a potent oxidizing agent with potential antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an ozone-based decontamination method for surfaces and rooms in a healthcare setting.
• To assess the effectiveness of ozone against a range of clinically relevant bacteria and spores.
• To determine the feasibility of using a quenching agent to shorten treatment times.

Main Methods:

• Surfaces were seeded with vegetative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and bacterial spores (e.g., Clostridium difficile).
• Ozone gas treatment was applied, followed by a quenching agent to neutralize residual ozone.
• The process was tested on seeded surfaces and within a 30 m3 room to assess reductions in viable microbial counts.

Main Results:

• Reductions greater than 3 log values in bacterial load were achieved for several organisms on surfaces.
• Similar significant reductions were observed in a 30 m3 room, including for Clostridium difficile spores.
• Treatment times were less than 1 hour for most tested organisms due to the quenching agent.

Conclusions:

• The ozone-quench approach demonstrates significant potential for disinfecting healthcare environments.
• Further evaluation is warranted to explore its application in routine infection control protocols.
• This method offers a rapid and effective solution for decontaminating surfaces and rooms against relevant pathogens.