Efficacy assessment of the new MWHI blue light technology against relevant healthcare-associated microbial pathogens.

Abstract

Background: The importance of the hospital environment as a source of nosocomial pathogens and, therefore, potentially lethal healthcare-associated infections, has motivated the search for improved high-efficacy no-touch disinfection technologies. Multi-Wavelength High-Intensity (MWHI) blue light is an innovative environmental disinfection system that has already been used for cleanrooms, laboratories, and healthcare facilities.

Aim: The main objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of distinct MWHI blue light exposure cycles against a wide range of healthcare-associated pathogens, grown on different hospital surface and equipment materials.

Methods and results: MWHI disinfection technology was used against ESKAPE pathogens and three distinct Candida species inoculated on five different surface materials frequently used in healthcare settings: formica, linoleum, inox, PVC and napa leather. Four exposure cycles were tested. Colony forming units (CFUs) counts were determined before light exposure (T0) and at each timepoint using contact plates. This technology resulted in a significant reduction of relevant healthcare-associated pathogens grown on multiple surfaces. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a mean 100% growth reduction after 120 minutes of exposure and Staphylococcus epidermidis a mean growth reduction of 91% after 60 minutes of exposure, highest among gram-positive bacteria (across all materials).

Conclusion: MWHI blue light technology effectively reduced survival of common healthcare-associated pathogens across various surface materials. Considering its safety profile for continuous use, this technology promotes environmental decontamination and, when combined with manual cleaning, significantly reduces microbial burden in healthcare settings.