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Author Spotlight: Microbial Control and Monitoring Strategies for Cleanroom Environments and Cellular Therapies
Published on: March 17, 2023
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Hard surface biocontrol in hospitals using microbial-based cleaning products.
Alberta Vandini1, Robin Temmerman2, Alessia Frabetti1
1CIAS Laboratory, Centre for the Study of physical, chemical and microbiological Contamination of Highly Sterile Environments, Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Plos One
|September 27, 2014
Summary
A novel microbial cleaning strategy significantly reduced healthcare-associated infection pathogens by 50-89% on hospital surfaces. This sustainable biocontrol method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical disinfection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infection control
- Biotechnology in healthcare
Background:
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are a frequent complication in healthcare facilities.
- Contaminated environmental surfaces are a major source for pathogen transmission, necessitating sustainable solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel biocontrol-based cleaning procedure.
- To assess its efficacy against key HAI-causing microorganisms (coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, Candida albicans) on hospital surfaces.
Main Methods:
- A 24-week comparative study in three hospitals (Belgium, Italy) involving approximately 20,000 surface samples.
- Tested microbial cleaning with Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus megaterium spores against conventional cleaning protocols.
Main Results:
- Microbial cleaning reduced HAI pathogens by 50-89% within 3-4 weeks, with sustained efficacy.
- Pathogen load increased when microbial cleaning was replaced by conventional methods, confirming the procedure's effectiveness.
- Demonstrated microbial cleaning as a more effective and sustainable alternative to chemical cleaning.
Conclusions:
- Microbial cleaning is an effective strategy for continuously reducing HAI-related microorganisms on surfaces.
- Promising indications for a novel, cost-effective approach to control healthcare-associated pathogens.
- Supports microbial cleaning as a sustainable alternative to chemical disinfection in healthcare settings.
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