Pulsed-xenon ultraviolet light disinfection in a burn unit: Impact on environmental bioburden, multidrug-resistant organism acquisition and healthcare associated infections.
Portable pulsed xenon ultraviolet disinfection (PPX-UVD) may reduce healthcare associated infections (HAI). There is limited data to inform use in burn intensive care units (BICU), where multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), especially gram negative rods (GNR), commonly cause disease. We evaluated PPX-UVD effects on environmental bioburden and rates of HAI and MDRO acquisition in a BICU. PPX-UVD was used for 3 months after standard cleaning of patient and operating rooms (ORs). Settle and touch plates in patient rooms and ORs were obtained after standard cleaning, pre-and post-PPX-UVD. HAI and MDRO acquisition were evaluated 1year prior to and for 3 month periods before, during, and after PPX-UVD. 110 touch and settle plates (33 pre- and 30 post-PPX-UVD) were obtained after standard cleaning, pre- and post-PPX-UVD. After PPX-UVD, environmental samples with any growth decreased (48% vs 31%, p=0.02), as did mean colony count/sample (2.8 pre- vs 1.6 post-, p=0.03). The 379 colonies largely represented skin commensals, without identified MDRO. Following PPX-UVD, no changes in device-associated infections, overall MDRO, or MDR GNR were seen, though a prolonged interval without healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection was observed. PPX-UVD in a BICU reduced overall environmental bioburden, without a statistically significant impact on HAI or MDRO.
San Antonio Military Medical Center, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
Caroline
C
Green
United States Army Institute for Surgical Research, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
Jeremy C
JC
Pamplin
United States Army Institute for Surgical Research, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
Kristine N
KN
Chafin
San Antonio Military Medical Center, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Clinton K
CK
Murray
San Antonio Military Medical Center, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. Electronic address: heather.c.yun.mil@mail.mil.
Heather C
HC
Yun
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D002053:Burn Units; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D010362:Patients' Rooms; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014978:Xenon
D014978:Xenon
Burn; Clostridium difficile; Disinfection; Environment; Ultraviolet