Hand Disinfection Research Articles

SOLAR BASED SMART COVID PROTECTION SYSTEM

The design shown shows the precautions that can be taken around the world during the COVID 19 pandemic. Disinfectants have become one of the most important products these days. Strong disinfection is required to survive the new WHO rules and regulations. The design provided a solution to the problem mentioned. This design introduces an automatic hand disinfection and temperature detection system that allows you to disinfect your hands at any time without touching the disinfectant. The temperature sensor shows the temperature of the person when touched. Keywords:- Automatic hand sanitizer, Arduino, ultrasonic sensor, PIR sensors, TMP36, covid-19.

Digital Literacy-Based Health Promotion at Posyandu Banjar Teges Kanginan

The lack of posyandu cadres who have expertise in health sciences causes the health promotion process to be less effective. This is because human resources do not have the knowledge and skills in health promotion. In addition, the cadres of the Banjar Teges Kanginan Posyandu, Peliatan Village have never received training on COVID-19 prevention. The media used in health promotion also tend to be monotonous, only using loudspeakers which are used for socialization around the Teges Kanginan Traditional Village. This shows that the process of health promotion takes place in a monotonous and less innovative way. Based on the description above, there are two problems that will be given a solution, namely the knowledge aspect of digital literacy-based health promotion and the skill aspect of digital-based health promotion. The solutions given related to the above problems are providing training and assistance in making health promotion media based on digital literacy, communication and public speaking, using and how to make hand sanitizers and disinfectants, training and mentoring on how to wash hands properly and correctly. The output target in the implementation of this devotion to the community is that the cadres of the Banjar Posyandu Teges Kanginan have the knowledge and skills of digital literacy-based health promotion. The results of this activities is implementation are as follows. (1) There is an increase in the knowledge of posyandu cadres related to digital literacy-based Health promotion. (2) there is an increase in the skills of posyandu cadres about conducting clean and healthy lifestyle, especially making handsanitizers. The high interest of posyandu cadres in improving public health, especially using health promotion based on digital literacy, it is necessary to hold further training and coaching related to the implementation of digital literacy in promoting public health

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment, waste management, and energy sectors: a deeper look into the long-term impacts.

The COVID-19 pandemic not only has caused a global health crisis but also has significant environmental consequences. Although many studies are confirming the short-term improvements in air quality in several countries across the world, the long-term negative consequences outweigh all the claimed positive impacts. As a result, this review highlights the positive and the long-term negative environmental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating the scientific literature. Remarkable reduction in the levels of CO (3 − 65%), NO2 (17 − 83%), NOx (24 − 47%), PM2.5 (22 − 78%), PM10 (23 − 80%), and VOCs (25 − 57%) was observed during the lockdown across the world. However, according to this review, the pandemic put enormous strain on the present waste collection and treatment system, resulting in ineffective waste management practices, damaging the environment. The extensive usage of face masks increased the release of microplastics/nanoplastics (183 to 1247 particles piece−1) and organic pollutants in land and water bodies. Furthermore, the significant usages of anti-bacterial hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals have increased the accumulation of various toxic emerging contaminants (e.g., triclocarban, triclosan, bisphenol-A, hydroxychloroquine) in the treated sludge/biosolids and discharged wastewater effluent, posing great threats to the ecosystems. This review also suggests strategies to create long-term environmental advantages. Thermochemical conversions of solid wastes including medical wastes and for treated wastewater sludge/biosolids offer several advantages through recovering the resources and energy and stabilizing/destructing the toxins/contaminants and microplastics in the precursors.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-022-20259-1.

Hand hygiene in the operating room (OR)-(not) an issue?

In the knowledge that hand hygiene is akey measure in preventing healthcare-associated infections, the WHO recommends direct observation as the gold standard in order to evaluate compliance. High compliance rates when performing surgical hand disinfection imply ahigh rate of compliance throughout the operating room (OR). Concrete numbers reflecting hand hygiene within the OR are rare, however, which is why our goal was to systematically observe hand hygiene and create tailor-made training solutions in order to improve it. Ahand hygiene data collection form was used to document compliance observations in the OR in 2017 and 2018. Compliance was monitored in two separate surgical departments. Surgeons and perioperative nurses, as well as anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, were observed. In order to test atailor-made training solution, two separate surgical departments were chosen. To test the effectiveness of the training solution, only one of the two surgical departments received atailor-made training along with direct feedback from atrained infection control nurse. In the second surgical department, no training intervention took place. More than 1500 indications for hand hygiene were observed in the OR between 2017 and 2018. Overall compliance in the intervention group increased from 40% to 75% during the observation period (p < 0.001). Overall compliance in the control group did not increase significantly (48% to 55%; p = 0.069). Given that the compliance rate for surgical hand disinfection is so high, the assumption was that the compliance for routine hand hygiene within the OR would be similar. Within the framework of the feedback talks, it became apparent that the employees were unaware that the "5moments for hand hygiene" also apply within the OR. The employees were also unaware of what exactly the five indications were.

Automatic Dry Hand Sanitizing Device

Abstract: The world faced so many problems during the Covid-19 pandemic. Washing our hands was an integral part of preventive measures of the Covid-19. But it is found that it wastes so much water in the world. Many people do not have access to clean drinking water and face water scarcity. The sanitizer is also used by many people. But excessive use of sanitizer with high alcohol concentration leads to dry, itchy skin. The indirect consumption of sanitizer through the hands leads to the risk of other health conditions. In this proposed system, fog making technology is used for dispensing sanitizer. So that only the required quantity of sanitizer is dispensed and it covers the entire surface area of hands, guaranteeing the disinfection of hands. This system is proposed to reduce water usage by around 90%. It also saves 20-30% of the water that rolls over the hands while washing the hands and also the water required for washing hands. This system did not completely replace the handwashing method but it helped in saving a remarkable quantity of water. It also helped in preventing skin diseases and other potential health hazards. Keywords: Sanitizer Dispenser, Fog Maker, Temperature Detector, IR Sensor, Microcontroller

The Influence of Soap and Alcohol-based Cleanser on Human Skin

Soap and alcohol or alcohol-based cleansers have been used as hand disinfectants and routine hand washing material for a long time. With the COVID-19 being pandemic, there is an increase in the routine use of soap and sanitizers. No doubt washing hands for 20 seconds with proper technique and proper soap could kill the Coronavirus but the effect of regular use of soap on the skin is not addressed by the general public. It has been shown by the in vitro as well as in vivo studies that the frequent use of soap and detergents may harm the skin. The harsh surfactants in cleansers can damage skin proteins and lipids and can cause dryness, irritation, barrier damage, and itching problems. Furthermore, the use of soap can change the natural pH and deplete the natural flora of the skin giving the pathogen an opportunity to transiently colonize the skin surface. This paper explains the damages that may be caused to skin due to excessive use of soap and detergents, the ways to mitigate those damages, and potential alternative to detergent-based soaps.

From the Editor’s Desk...

From the Editor’s Desk...

Low efficacy of three non-alcohol-based hand disinfectants utilizing silver polymer, lactic acid and benzalkonium chloride on inactivation of bacteria on the fingertips of healthcare workers

Recently, new non-alcohol-based hand disinfection formulae have come to the market. Although they have passed the EN1500 test, data on their clinical efficacy compared with alcohol-based hand rubs are scarce, mainly covering benzalkonium chloride (BAC). To test the efficacy of silver-polymer-based, lactic-acid-based and BAC-based hand disinfectant foams and an alcohol-based hand rub gel to reduce bacterial counts on the fingertips of healthcare workers working on hospital wards. Each of the 84 participants tested one of the four products during their morning shift on a hospital ward using the 'fingertips on Petri dish' method before and after rubbing their hands with the product. After incubation, two independent readers assessed bacterial counts on the culture plates. The alcohol-based hand rub efficiently reduced bacteria on testers' fingertips in the test situation, whereas the lactic-acid- and BAC-based disinfectants did not have any detectable efficacy. The silver-polymer-based formula had some effect but requires further study. Non-alcohol-based hand rubs require careful consideration and further study before they can be accepted for clinical use.

Enablement of nursing home residents in infection prevention during general practitioner visits: A qualitative study.

Hand hygiene measures are essential to protect nursing home residents against nosocomial infections. Evidence on the prevention of nosocomial infections for nursing home residents by general practitioners during their medical visits in nursing homes or how they enable nursing home residents to perform hand hygiene measures is lacking. This study aimed to explore hand hygiene behaviors of general practitioners in nursing homes, their attitudes toward infection prevention measures, and the enablement of nursing home residents in performing hand hygiene measures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners and nursing home residents in Germany. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Overall, 12 general practitioners and 12 nursing home residents participated in the study. The general practitioners expressed the fact that the possibilities for practicing hand hygiene differ in individual nursing homes. For nursing home residents, the availability of hand rub solutions was limited. Instructions for residents on hand disinfection from general practitioners was not described. Due to the lack of enablement, the residents' knowledge on how to correctly perform hand hygiene was low, although some of the nursing home residents have experience with multidrug-resistant organisms. The nursing home residents varied in their needs for active participation and enablement during the general practitioners visit. Nursing home residents require continuous enablement by their general practitioners to maintain adequate hand hygiene. Therefore, general practitioners should consider the different needs of nursing home residents to ensure adequate individual hand hygiene and safety for the residents. Existing guidelines for infection prevention and control do not adequately cover the nursing home care setting for the enablement of residents to enquire about hand hygiene.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine in hand disinfectants.

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

THE APPLICATION OF ECO ENZYME BIOTECHNOLOGY AS WASTE MANAGEMENT ORGANIC FOR PREPARATION THE DEVELOPMENT OF TALANG LAKE TOURISM KABUPATEN SOLOK WEST SUMATERA

Talang Lake is located in the Nagari area of Kampung Batu Dalam Subdistrict The Twin Lakes of Solok Regency. A driving force for the development of tourist villages is called groups Tourism Awareness (POKDARWIS). A frequently reported problem for tourist areas is the increasing volume of waste originating from tourists. One solution to overcome the problem of organic waste, especially food waste is to turn the waste into an ecoenzyme. Ecoenzyme is an organic solution that produced from simple fermentation of fresh vegetables and fruit peel waste, brown sugar and water. Ecoenzyme could be used to hand sanitizer and disinfectant, that one of the most needed products during this COVID-19 pandemic. Ecoenzyme also has the potential to become organic fertilizer solutions for agriculture so as to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, vegetable and fruit yields better and the environment is not polluted. Ecoenzymes can help the maintenance sanitation and control of lake water quality. So that ecoenzyme has the potential to save expenses and earn additional income public. Through the use of biotechnology ecoenzyme is expected to be a preventive effort for the development of tourist villages through good and useful waste management. Based on the feedback was given, in general, people feel very satisfied and know that organic waste can great benefit to life.

Management and hygiene measures during an outbreak of herpes, influenza, strangles or infections with multidrug resistant bacteria

The aim of this review is to describe general guidelines of hygiene measures in the horse stable as well as to provide current recommendations for an outbreak of a common infectious disease. General cleanliness, hand hygiene, avoidance of stress, regular deworming, and vaccinations belong to the basic hygiene measures in a horse herd. All new or returning equids should be submitted to a quarantine period as an important prevention measure. Repeated washing and disinfection of hands may prevent spreading of infectious agents to people and horses.The conception of a hygiene plan, including general biosecurity procedures and standard operating procedures in a case of an outbreak of an infectious disease, zoonosis, or colonization with multi-resistant bacteria is strongly recommended. As soon as the disease is suspected, extended hygiene measures including protective clothing, cleaning, disinfection, and isolation of potentially infected animals should be implemented. Prompt confirmation of the causative agent by examination of appropriate samples is crucial. It is important to adjust all safety measures based on the contagious nature of the respective pathogen and its major transmission routes. Apart from a lock-down of the stable, clinic or show grounds, the segregation of horses plays an important role. Implementation of the "traffic light system" is recommended. In this, the red group ("infected") include animals with clinical signs of the disease or that have been tested positive. All horses with possible pathogen contact should be allocated to a yellow group ("suspected") and regularly controlled for the signs of infection and fever. Clinically normal horses without contact to the infected animals belong to the green group ("healthy"). A change of protective clothing and an extensive disinfection should be performed when moving between the groups.The extended hygiene measures are to be maintained until all animals have been tested negative or fail to exhibit clinical signs of the disease for a certain time period.

THE EFFECTS of THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC on the DEMAND for DENTAL TREATMENT

OBJECTIVE: To report on the level of knowledge of people about Covid-19 symptoms, transmission routes and personal protective equipment use during the Covid-19 pandemic normalization process, to determine the health institutions they will prefer for dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 226 individuals aged 18 and over who went to dental institutions like dentsitry of faculties, dental clinics, public and private hospitals at least once in the last 2 years participated in this survey. RESULTS: The range with the highest number of participants is the 20-30 age group; university graduated, small family and a household of 3 people. Participants have a high level of knowledge about Covid-19 symptoms and transmission routes (p=0,001). Surgical masks(94%), hand disinfectants(95%) are the most common measures taken for Covid-19, while N95(24%) and visor(21%) are used the least. No significant relationship was found between socio-demographic characteristics and the level of knowledge about Covid-19 symptoms and transmission routes, and the use of personal protective equipment (p&amp;gt;0,05). Dentsitry of faculties monitor body temperature and mask use, and dental clinics monitor the use of masks more carefully than other health institutions (p=0,05). Among the reasons for the preference of health instutiations the precautions taken regarding the epidemic were not preferred,but only the ease of transportation(p=0,02) and financial reasons(p=0,00) were effective. 46% of the participants are aware of the measures taken by health institutions against Covid-19. CONCLUSION:Participants have sufficient knowledge about the transmission routes and symptoms of Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic was not effective in determining the health institution they would prefer.

Alcohol Concentrations and Bactericidal Activities of Hand Disinfectants after Opening

Alcohol Concentrations and Bactericidal Activities of Hand Disinfectants after Opening

Komunikasi, Informasi dan Edukasi Pencegahan Covid-19 di Panti Asuhan Kecamatan Panyileukan Bandung

The Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia is increasing until the end of 2020, this is due to a lack of public understanding to overcome the spread transmission of the Covid-19 virus, including as wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, and maintaining good hand hygiene. Awareness of this behavior is very low in orphanages so that it may accelerate the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. Therefore, it is necessary to provide Communication, Information and Education (CIE) related to preventing the transmission of the Covid-19 virus to residents of orphanages in the area around Panyileukan District, Bandung City, West Java. This activity was carried out in two orphanages located in the area for two months. The activity began with the creation of information media, knowledge surveys, cadre training, Covid prevention education, making hand sanitizers and disinfectants, and final evaluation. The result showed that there is a relationship between knowledge and actions after being given CIE methods in orphanages to avoid the transmission Covid-19.

Zoonotic bacteria in clinically healthy goats in petting zoo settings of zoological gardens in Germany.

Goats and other small ruminants are frequently used as contact animals in petting zoo settings of zoological gardens. However, they are capable to carry a broad spectrum of zoonotic pathogens without clinical signs. In this study, we analysed the presence of different zoonotic pathogens in 300 clinically healthy goats from 14 zoological gardens in Germany. Rectal and nasal swabs were investigated with a series of cultural and molecular techniques. In addition, vaginal swabs of the 230 female goats were investigated for the presence of Coxiella burnetii by real-time PCR. Antibodies against C.burnetii were tested in milk and serum by ELISA. Campylobacter spp. were found in 22.7%, Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli in 20.0% and Arcobacter spp. were found in 1.7% of the tested 300 goats after culture from rectal swabs and subsequent PCR. One sample contained an Escherichia fergusonii isolate with a blaCTX-M-1 -encoded extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype. Neither Yersinia spp. nor Salmonella spp. were found. Nasal swabs of 20.7% of the goats yielded Staphylococcus aureus including one mecC-positive methicillin-resistant isolate. Neither Yersinia spp. nor Salmonella spp. were found, and none of the 230 vaginal swabs was positive for C.burnetii. Attempts to detect dermatophytes failed. In conclusion, a possible risk of transmission of zoonotic bacteria from goats in petting zoos to visitors should be considered. Appropriate information and facilities for hand washing and disinfection should be provided in all zoological gardens using goats as contact animals due to the regular presence of zoonotic bacteria in the collection.

Determination of SARS-CoV-2 Contamination in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Environment Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

PurposeNeonatal infections with SARS-CoV-2 are thought to be less contagious than in older children and adults. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from neonates and their environment has not been well studied. Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) is an emerging and sensitive technology that can aid infection control investigations. We sought to document surface contamination within the immediate environment of a preterm neonate with congenital COVID-19 using ddPCR.Methods & MaterialsOn day 5 of life, a total of 23 environmental samples were collected in Eswabs (Amies media) based on proximity to the neonate, from the inside (7) and outside (16) of the neonate's incubator for ddPCR analysis. Samples were extracted, using an in-house method and each extract was run for reverse-transcription ddPCR measurement using the Bio-Rad SARS-CoV-2 ddPCR Kit. The 96-well RT-ddPCR ready plate was loaded into the QX200 Droplet Reader (Bio-Rad, Pleasanton, CA). The fluorescence intensity of each droplet was measured, and droplets were determined to be positive or negative for gene targets (N1, N2).ResultsAll samples collected from outside of the incubator were negative.These included: a stethoscope hanging outside of the incubator, nearby keyboard/mouse, wireless phone receiver, barcode scanner, blood culture bottles, pens/pencils, light switches, weigh scale, countertop/shelf, cart with drawers and incubator port release clips. Samples collected from inside the incubator were positive for SARS-CoV-2. These results reported in copies per microlitre (cp/µL) extract included: the swaddle cloth (0.4 N2), sheets behind the neonate's head (11.4 N1, 16.9 N2), cardiorespiratory and saturation monitor leads and cables near the neonate's head (2.8 N1,4.5 N2), near the neonate's feet (2.1 N1, 3.7 N2), and nametags hanging on a panel (1.0 N1,1.2 N2). The highest levels were noted from the neonate's drool (25.2 N1, 35.2 N2).ConclusionThe presence of SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by ddPCR in environmental samples inside the incubator confirming the ability of the neonate to spread the virus in close quarters. No virus was identified outside of the incubator which suggests appropriate hand hygiene and disinfection of environmental surfaces. ddPCR appears to be a useful tool for investigating the potential role of fomites in COVID-19 transmission

Strategies to successfully prevent COVID-19 outbreak in vulnerable uro-oncology patient population

PurposeAs COVID-19 pandemic persists with variants, and despite effective vaccination campaigns, breakthrough infections surge. We implemented strategies to protect vulnerable patients of the uro-oncologic outpatient clinic. We adopted proactive non-symptomatic risk reduction measures, which include non-symptomatic testing requirements for both patients and health care professionals (HCP), intensified patient tracing and contact reduction by implementation of digital health options. Here, we present our best practice example to safely guide oncology professionals and patients with metastasized genitourinary cancers through the current and future pandemics.MethodsSolely for this purpose, we created a registry of collected data (current telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, vaccination status). We collected a nasopharyngeal swab from every patient upon presentation for treatment. We implemented bi-weekly RNA-PCR assay tests for HCP with patient contact, and limited personal contact at our facility through digital patient consultations.ResultsWe started implementing our COVID prevention model at the beginning of the second wave in September 2020 and included 128 patients with urologic malignancies requiring systemic treatment. After COVID vaccination became available in December 2020, all of our HCP were fully vaccinated within 6 weeks and 97% of our patients (125/128) within 9 months. We performed 1410 nasopharyngeal swabs during in-house visits, thereby detecting two COVID-19 infections among our patients, who both survived and successfully continued treatment. To further reduce personal contact, half of our consultations were fully operated digitally, with 76% (97/128) of our patients participating in our digital health offers.ConclusionThe willingness of patients and HCPs to participate in the study allowed us to implement strict standards to prepare for the ongoing and future pandemics in outpatient cancer units. Next to general preventive measures such as frequent hand disinfection, wearing facial masks, and keeping distance, an important measure to protect vulnerable uro-oncology patients is the capability to perform virus genome sequencing to trace transmission chains.

Environmental factors influencing the transmission of the coronavirus 2019: a review.

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic, induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has strongly altered healthcare systems and the economy worldwide. The lack of knowledge on this virus has led to the implementation of uncertain strategies and measures to fight the pandemic. Here, we review environmental factors that control viral transmission, such as air, temperature, humidity, food, water and sewage, insects, inanimate surfaces, hand hygiene, and social distancing. The main route of viral transmission is the respiratory tract through aerosols. Masks and social distancing are effective in ceasing air transmission. Proper cleaning of surfaces and hand disinfection are required, especially in healthcare units. Food should be handled properly, and food handlers should work based on hygienic protocols. Water and sewage transmission, and transmission through insects appear less important than other environmental factors.

Sterilization of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Eggs for Maggot Debridement Therapy.

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is a therapy with the medical use of sterile fly larvae of certain species, particularly those within the Calliphoridae family including green bottle fly, Lucilia sericata (Meigan, Diptera: Calliphoridae), for treating chronically infected wounds and ulcers. Lucilia sericata flies were maintained under insectary conditions, and the eggs were sterilized using three treatments: hydrogen peroxide solutions, used as a hand disinfectant (Treatment 1-T1), hydrogen peroxide, surface disinfectant (Treatment 2-T2), and SaniHigene (Treatment 3-T3) and the control (without treatment). All three treatment caused the complete sterilization of eggs, and no bacterial colonies were found on the blood agar culture. The egg hatching rate after 72 h was much higher than after 24 h. Egg mortality in hydrogen peroxide solutions, T1 and T2, was 3-4% and less than in solution T3 (13%). Owing to less mortality and more sterility of the eggs, the aforementioned solutions are suggested to be appropriate for sterility in maggot therapy.