title: Current and emergent strategies for disinfection of hospital environments.
abstract: A significant number of hospital-acquired infections occur due to inefficient disinfection of hospital surfaces, instruments and rooms. The emergence and wide spread of multiresistant forms of several microorganisms has led to a situation where few compounds are able to inhibit or kill the infectious agents. Several strategies to disinfect both clinical equipment and the environment are available, often involving the use of antimicrobial chemicals. More recently, investigations into gas plasma, antimicrobial surfaces and vapour systems have gained interest as promising alternatives to conventional disinfectants. This review provides updated information on the current and emergent disinfection strategies for clinical environments.
authors.affiliation: LEPAE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Abreu
authors.forename: Rafaela R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Tavares
authors.forename: Anabela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Filipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mergulhão
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simões
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans
keywords: antimicrobial resistance; cross-contamination; disinfection; hospital-acquired infections