Abstract
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been considered the most effective way to avoid the contamination of healthcare workers by different microorganisms, including SARS-CoV-2. A spray disinfection technology (chamber) was developed, and its efficacy in instant decontamination of previously contaminated surfaces was evaluated in two exposure times. Seven test microorganisms were prepared and inoculated on the surface of seven types of PPE (respirator mask, face shield, shoe, glove, cap, safety glasses and lab coat). The tests were performed on previously contaminated PPE using a manikin with a motion device for exposure to the chamber with biocidal agent (sodium hypochlorite) for 10 and 30s. In 96.93% of the experimental conditions analyzed, the percentage reduction was >99% (the number of viable cells found on the surface ranged from 4.3x106 to <10 CFU/mL). The samples of E. faecalis collected from the glove showed the lowest percentages reduction, with 86.000 and 86.500% for exposure times of 10 and 30 s, respectively. The log10 reduction values varied between 0.85 log10 (E. faecalis at 30 s in glove surface) and 9.69 log10 (E. coli at 10 and 30 s in lab coat surface). In general, E. coli, S. aureus, C. freundii, P. mirabilis, C. albicans and C. parapsilosis showed susceptibility to the biocidal agent under the tested conditions, with >99% reduction after 10 and 30s, while E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa showed a lower susceptibility. The 30s exposure time was more effective for the inactivation of the tested microorganisms. The results show that the spray disinfection technology has the potential for instant decontamination of PPE, which can contribute to an additional barrier for infection control of healthcare workers in the hospital environment.
Highlights
Contaminated surfaces are a potential source for the spread of many bacterial and fungal pathogens [1]
There was a significant reduction in the investigated microorganisms after exposure of the previously contaminated items in the disinfection chamber, regardless of the item, which demonstrated the efficacy of the biocidal agent spraying system for instantaneous disinfection of protective equipment (PPE) for some of the microorganisms evaluated
The exposure time of 30 s was more efficient for the inactivation of the studied microorganisms in terms of log10 and percentage reduction for all studied PPE (Table 2 and Fig 3)
Summary
Contaminated surfaces are a potential source for the spread of many bacterial and fungal pathogens [1] These microorganisms can be considered important vectors for the dissemination of diseases and, the increase in mortality and morbidity rates, causing overload of the health system worldwide [2]. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are one of the most vulnerable populations to microbial contamination, mainly because they work in close physical contact with patients [11] This vulnerability was demonstrated at times of emergency in health systems, such as during the outbreak caused by SARS-CoV [12], Ebola virus [13] and currently with SARS-CoV-2 [14], where a high rate of infection among HCWs has been reported. In Brazil, currently considered the epicenter of the disease in Latin America [21], data from the Ministry of Health indicate that at least 257,156 HCWs were infected by SARS-CoV-2 by August of this year [22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
