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Evaluation of automated floor cleaning, disinfection, and application methods against Staphylococcus aureus
Geraldine M Tembo1, Gurpreet K Chaggar1, Xiaobao Li2
1Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Background:
Optimization of automated floor disinfection practices using different application methods and product types is important to ensure that pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus do not transfer from contaminated floors to other high contact areas resulting in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We hypothesized that there would be significant differences among the disinfectants and a cleaner under different application methods. Also, performance of application methods would be dependent upon type of product used.
Methods:
We tested and compared efficacies of 5 EPA registered disinfectants and one cleaner using an automated Taski 455B floor cleaner against S aureus ATCC 6538 on 2 meters of contaminated vinyl flooring using 3 application methods.
Results:
Hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium compounds were more efficacious against S aureus than the neutral cleaner. There were no significant differences among the sampling areas tested and application methods regardless of product type. Mean log10 densities recovered from different machine parts and wastewater collected were statistically higher for the cleaner than disinfectants.
Conclusions:
All disinfectants had more bactericidal efficacy than the cleaner for all sampling zones on the tested floor. Overall, performance of the floor machine is dependent upon the type of product used.
Insights
Automated floor disinfection with specific disinfectants effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus. Product type significantly impacts the performance of automated floor cleaning machines in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Microbiology
- Environmental hygiene
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern, often linked to pathogen transfer from contaminated surfaces.
- Optimizing automated floor disinfection is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of different disinfectants and a cleaner using an automated floor machine.
- To evaluate the impact of various application methods on disinfection performance.
- To determine if product type influences the effectiveness of automated floor cleaning.
Main Methods:
- Tested 5 EPA-registered disinfectants and 1 cleaner against Staphylococcus aureus.
- Utilized an automated Taski 455B floor cleaner on contaminated vinyl flooring.
- Employed 3 distinct application methods for comparison.
Main Results:
- Hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium compounds showed higher efficacy than the neutral cleaner.
- No significant differences were found in sampling areas or application methods across product types.
- Bacterial loads were significantly higher in wastewater and on machine parts when using the cleaner compared to disinfectants.
Conclusions:
- All tested disinfectants demonstrated superior bactericidal efficacy over the cleaner.
- The effectiveness of automated floor cleaning is dependent on the type of product utilized.
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