Preventing Spread of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in a Hospital by Using a Nanotechnology-Based Disinfectant

Belkıs Yolburun¹, Asiye Karakullukçu*², Gökhan Aygün³ and Mustafa Samasti⁴

Received: December 12, 2018;   Published: December 20, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.12.002509

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Abstract

Background/Aim: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) cause outbreaks and infections by easily spreading in hospitals. Effective cleaning and disinfection play an important role to control and prevent VRE infections. We aim to investigate the clinical and in vitro efficacy of a nanotechnology-based surface disinfectant on VRE contamination and colonization.

Materials and Methods: A prospective and before-after controlled trial at a 1,300-bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Turkey. The long-acting disinfectant, Bacoban®, was examined on various surfaces/materials in a laboratory setting. Bacoban® ‘s efficiency was also investigated on VRE contamination with environmental samples (n = 969), and on colonization from the hospitalized patient samples (n = 447). Data were analyzed using Fischer’s exact test.

Results: Bacoban® has significantly decreased the rates of VRE contamination and new VRE colonization in the hospital environment and hospitalized patients, respectively (p < 0.001, p = 0.028). The in vitro study showed that Bacoban® has a bactericidal effect on VRE, especially during the 22 days on the tile and 18 days on plastic and metal surfaces.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Bacoban® has a permanent antimicrobial effect, especially on flat and smooth surfaces, also reduces VRE contamination on the hospital environment, and new VRE colonization in patients.

Keywords :Vancomycin-resistant enterococci; Surveillance; Disinfection; Bacoban®; Contamination; Colonization