Efficacy of radiant catalytic ionization in reduction of Enterococcus spp., Clostridioides difficile and Staphylococcus aureus in indoor air

Abstract

(1) Background: An aerogenicway is one ofmain rout of spreadingmicroorganisms (including antibiotic resistant), that cause healthcare-associated infections. The source of microorganisms in the air can be patients, personnel, visitors, outdoor air, hospital surfaces and equipment, and even sink drains. (2)Methods: The standardized suspensions (0.5McFarland) of the examined strains (Enterococcus spp., Clostridioides difficile, Staphylococcus aureus) were nebulized in sterile chamber. Then the Induct 750 (ActivTek) device, generating RCI (radiant catalytic ionization) phenomenon, was used for 20 min. Next, the number of bacteria in the air was calculated using collision method. The percentage of reduction coefficient (R) was calculated. (3) Results: In case of enterococci, the R value was >90% and there are no statistically significant differences among tested strains. For C. difficile strains the R value range from 64-95%. The R value calculated for hypervirulent, antibiotic resistant CDI PCR 27 strain was statistically significantly lower than for other examined strains. For S. aureus non-MRSA the R value was 99.87% and for S. auruesMRSA the R value was 95.61%. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that the use of RCI may contribute to reducing the occurrence of dangerous pathogens in the air, and perhaps transmission and persistence in the hospital buildings environment.