Effect of UV-C disinfection and copper plating on healthcare-associated infections in a NICU with high ESBL infections

Abstract

Introduction

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in neonates are frequent and highly lethal, in particular those caused by extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. We evaluated the beneficial effects of ultraviolet C (UV-C) disinfection and copper adhesive plating on HCAIs in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a third level paediatric hospital in Mexico City, both in combination of hand-hygiene (HH) and prevention bundles.

Methods

All NICU patients were included. There were 4 periods (P): P1: HH monitoring and prevention bundles; P2: P1 + UV-C disinfection; P3: P2 + Copper adhesive plating on frequent-contact surfaces and P4: Monitoring of P3 actions.

Results

552 neonates were monitored during 15,467 patient days (PD). HCAI rates decreased from 11.03/1000 PD in P1 to 5.35/1000 PD in P4 (p = 0.006). HCAIs with bacterial isolates dropped from 5.39/1000 PD in PI to 1.79/1000 PD in P4 (p = 0.011). UV-C and copper were associated with significant HCAI prevention (RR 0.49, CI_95% 0.30–0.81, p = 0.005) and with lesser HCAIs with bacterial isolates (RR 0.33, CI_95% 0.14–0.77, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Copper adhesive plating combined with UV-C disinfection were associated with a drop in HCAI rates and with the elimination of ESBL-caused HCAIs. Hence, we propose that these strategies be considered in MDRO proliferation preventions.