Journal of Hospital Infection最新文献

{"title":"Integrating infection prevention into antimicrobial stewardship: a dual strategy for neonatal intensive care unit stewardship.","authors":"K Aykaç, I İyigün, T Çelik, Y Ozsurekci","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144144507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of disinfection methods for autonomous mobile robots used in hospital logistics in emergency departments","authors":"P. Kardas ,&nbsp;F. Bielec ,&nbsp;M. Brauncajs ,&nbsp;P. Lewek ,&nbsp;D. Timler ,&nbsp;E. Łojewska ,&nbsp;M. Chiurazzi ,&nbsp;N.N. Dei ,&nbsp;G. Ciuti ,&nbsp;R.J. Ros ,&nbsp;V.S. Estevan ,&nbsp;A. Maccaro ,&nbsp;L. Pecchia ,&nbsp;B. Merino ,&nbsp;A. Medrano ,&nbsp;T. Penzel ,&nbsp;G. Fico","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have been increasingly used in hospital logistics, particularly in high-risk areas, such as emergency departments (EDs), to streamline operations, reduce staff fatigue, and minimize infection risks. However, their effective disinfection remains a critical concern, especially when it comes to solutions aimed at preventing spread of multi-drug-resistant organisms.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study evaluated the microbiological cleanliness and effectiveness of various disinfection methods for AMRs in real-life hospital logistics settings, with a particular focus on their application in EDs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The HOSBOT, an AMR designed for hospital logistics, was deployed in a tertiary hospital for two weeks and validated for transport of biological samples. Microbiological contamination was assessed at multiple robot sites before and after disinfection, using two methods, i.e., manual wiping with a standard disinfectant and non-contact fumigation with low-temperature vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Contamination levels were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative microbiological techniques, and a threshold of &lt;2.5 colony-forming units/cm² for critical environments, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was considered as proof of success.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Bacterial contamination exceeded thresholds at all sites. Both disinfection methods significantly decreased contamination. Manual wiping reduced bacterial counts below thresholds and eradicated fungal growth, while fumigation was effective for bacterial but not fungal contamination. Fumigation also failed to meet CDC cleanliness standards in hard-to-reach areas.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both manual wiping and fumigation effectively reduced bacterial contamination, however, wiping showed better results in fungal eradication. Improvements to fumigation methods are necessary, such as application of higher disinfectant concentrations or alternative chemicals. The aforementioned findings not only support the use of AMRs in clinical settings but also emphasize the importance of effective disinfection for safety and efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 17-25"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144133154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical prediction models to guide treatment of periprosthetic joint infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"E. Naufal ,&nbsp;C. Shadbolt ,&nbsp;M. Wouthuyzen-Bakker ,&nbsp;S. Rele ,&nbsp;S. Sahebjada ,&nbsp;S. Thuraisingam ,&nbsp;S. Babazadeh ,&nbsp;P.F. Choong ,&nbsp;M.M. Dowsey","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Several clinical prediction models that aim to guide decisions about the management of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) have been developed. While some models have been recommended for use in clinical settings, their suitability remains uncertain.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We systematically reviewed and critically appraised all multi-variable prediction models for the treatment of PJI. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception until 1^st March 2024 and included studies that developed or validated models that predict the outcome of PJI. We used PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool) to assess the risk of bias and applicability. Model performance estimates were pooled via random effect meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirteen predictive models and seven external validations were identified. Methodological issues were identified in all studies. Pooled estimates indicated that the KLIC (Kidney, Liver, Index surgery, Cemented prosthesis, C-reactive protein) score had fair discriminative performance (pooled c-statistic 0.62, 95% CI 0.55–0.69). Both the τ² (0.02) and I² (33.4) estimates indicated that between-study heterogeneity was minimal. Meta-analysis indicated Shohat <em>et al.</em>‘s model had good discriminative performance (pooled c-statistic 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.85). Both the τ² (0.0) and I² (0.0) indicated that between study heterogeneity was minimal.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Clinicians should be aware of limitations in the methods used to develop available models to predict outcomes of PJI. As no models have consistently demonstrated adequate performance across external validation studies, it remains unclear whether any available models would provide reliable information if used to guide clinical decision making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 53-61"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of a nosocomial outbreak caused by VIM-1 Klebsiella michiganensis using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy","authors":"D. Rodriguez-Temporal ,&nbsp;M. Sánchez-Cueto ,&nbsp;S. Buenestado-Serrano ,&nbsp;M. Blázquez-Sánchez ,&nbsp;E. Cercenado ,&nbsp;M. Gutiérrez-Pareja ,&nbsp;A. Molero-Salinas ,&nbsp;E. López-Camacho ,&nbsp;P. Muñoz ,&nbsp;D. García de Viedma ,&nbsp;L. Pérez-Lago ,&nbsp;B. Rodríguez-Sánchez","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has emerged as a rapid and reliable method for bacterial typing. In this study, we evaluated FT-IR spectroscopy for characterizing a nosocomial outbreak caused by VIM-1-producing <em>Klebsiella michiganensis</em> (<em>K. oxytoca</em> complex).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>All <em>K. oxytoca</em> complex isolates collected during the outbreak period (<em>N</em> = 27) and control isolates (<em>N</em> = 8) were obtained from Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spain. Among the 27 isolates, 22 were obtained from paediatric patients, four from adults and one was an environmental isolate. FT-IR spectroscopy was employed for bacterial typing, while whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used as the reference typing method for comparison.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Analysis of the FT-IR spectra revealed distinct clusters, one of which corresponded to 19 outbreak isolates (18 from paediatric patients and the environmental isolate), suggesting a common origin. Other minor clusters did not exhibit any epidemiological relationship among the isolates. Subsequent WGS analysis identified <em>K</em>. <em>michiganensis</em> as the causative agent of the outbreak. FT-IR showed a high concordance with WGS in outbreak classification, supporting its reliability in this setting (adjusted Rand index = 0.882; adjusted Wallace coefficient = 0.937). Moreover, FT-IR spectra visualization highlighted discriminative features between outbreak and non-outbreak isolates, facilitating rapid screening when an outbreak is suspected.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>FT-IR spectroscopy represents a rapid and cost-effective method that enables timely intervention and effective management of nosocomial outbreaks. Its integration with WGS enhances the accuracy of outbreak investigations, demonstrating its utility in clinical microbiology and infection control practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 9-16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical decision support system to guide antimicrobial selection: a narrative review from 2019 to 2023","authors":"A-L. Bienvenu ,&nbsp;J-M. Ducrocq ,&nbsp;M-J. Augé-Caumon ,&nbsp;E. Baseilhac","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are increasingly developed to improve healthcare delivery. To update the last review on this topic, we conducted a narrative review aimed at describing all CDSSs identified through searches of Medline dedicated to antimicrobials prescribing from 2019 to 2023. All original research describing a CDSS dedicated to antimicrobials selection, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs, were eligible. CDSS goals and their potential clinical impacts, as well as characteristics of studies for CDSS evaluation (type of study, population, setting, objectives, and main findings) were extracted. Among the 28 studies included, most (<em>N</em> = 24) were dedicated to antibiotics and 15 were embedded in an electronic health record. Only one CDSS was developed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The main goal of the included CDSSs was to assist clinicians in the selection of antimicrobials. Ten studies included more than 1000 patients or prescriptions, and most of them were implemented in hospitals. Only six studies reported no impact of CDSSs on antibiotic use or compliance with guidelines. CDSSs dedicated to antimicrobial prescribing is an area of increasing activity, with solutions offering the potential to optimize antimicrobial use. Although there is an urgent need to develop CDSSs, CDSS clinical evaluation appears to be an important requirement before implementation. Special efforts are needed to ensure transferability of CDSSs and high adoption, especially in LMICs, while improving awareness through education and training.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 140-152"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Conditions for air cleanliness in a unidirectional airflow ventilation during orthopaedic joint replacement procedures","authors":"I-L. Böregård ,&nbsp;S. Bringman ,&nbsp;C. Leo Swenne ,&nbsp;A-C. von Vogelsang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Microbiological air contamination in the operating room (OR) is associated with the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) after joint replacement procedures. Recommendations define the level of microbiological air cleanliness by the number of colony-forming units (cfu) in an OR. Airborne micro-organisms originate from the staff and unidirectional airflow (UDAF) ventilation is effective in the OR, providing filtered air to create ultraclean zones.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To evaluate the air cleanliness in the demarcation zone during joint replacement procedures and to describe the limitations for optimal air cleanliness in UDAF ventilation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In a cross-sectional design, cfu were measured using active air sampling in an OR with UDAF. Comparative measures were taken between demarcation and outer zone, supplemented by observations of staff numbers, traffic flow and movements.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>A total of 166 samples were collected during 20 arthroplasty procedures. There were significantly more cfu in the outer zone than in the demarcation zone (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). The only significant predictor associated with higher cfu counts was the number of persons in the outer zone (odds ratio: 2.566; 95% confidence interval: 1.306–5.044; <em>P</em> = 0.006). Observations associated with higher cfu counts were method- or organization-related.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Air cleanliness in UDAF ventilation was better in the demarcation zone compared to the outer zone, and the number of persons in the outer zone was associated with decreased air cleanliness. Intraoperative movements could cause higher cfu counts in the demarcation zone, but further studies are needed to evaluate the consequences of staff movements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 114-120"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A hospital-wide outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella oxytoca associated with contaminated sinks and associated plumbing: outbreak report, risk factor analysis and plasmid mapping","authors":"J. Edman-Wallér ,&nbsp;J. Andersson ,&nbsp;M. Nelson ,&nbsp;L. Hallberg ,&nbsp;L. Berglund ,&nbsp;H. Mellström Dahlgren ,&nbsp;O. Lindsjö ,&nbsp;V. Müller ,&nbsp;J. Stalfors","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To describe a sink-related outbreak of <em>Klebsiella oxytoca</em> and determine risk factors for acquiring the outbreak strain.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Case–control analysis, environmental sampling from sinks, short-read whole-genome sequencing and long-read whole-genome sequencing of selected isolates.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Whole-genome sequencing revealed genetic clustering of 47 patient cases over 26 months. The outbreak strain (<em>K. oxytoca</em>, sequence type 2, with or without blaCTX-M containing plasmid) was also identified in sinks or adjacent plumbing in four rooms in two wards. After adjustment for age, sex, and length of stay, four significant risk factors for infection or colonization of the outbreak strain were found: age (odds ration (OR) per additional year: 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.07); length of stay (OR per additional day: 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02–1.08); urinary catheter (OR: 7.65 (95% CI: 2.10–27.8; OR per additional day: 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01–1.12); and diarrhoea (OR: 3.10 (1.03–9.35). Long-read plasmid sequencing revealed strong indications of plasmid transmission from the outbreak strain to other sequence types of <em>K. oxytoca</em>. Multi-faceted interventions were employed, including exchange of sinks strainers, traps, and piping, behavioural interventions, and reinforced cleaning and disinfection. Outbreak control has thus far not been achieved despite interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>K. oxytoca</em> established in sink plumbing biofilm was associated with a prolonged outbreak difficult to control. Age, length of stay, urinary catheter and diarrhoea were risk factors for acquiring the outbreak strain. Both clonal and horizontal transmission occurred.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Defining water safety in healthcare premises","authors":"M. Weinbren ,&nbsp;M. Meda ,&nbsp;J. Hopman ,&nbsp;G. Fucini ,&nbsp;W. Sunder","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The term ‘water safety’ originated in a time when the risk emanating from the wastewater system was not appreciated.</div><div>Water and wastewater systems are uniquely intertwined. Each may impact on the other to have an adverse effect on patient safety.</div><div>Risk to patient safety may be introduced at any point from mains water entering a site right through to wastewater exiting the site to join the municipal sewers. These risks begin at inception of a new-build project, through every stage of the life cycle of a building, through to decommissioning.</div><div>The term ‘water safety’ is outdated as it does not consider the different structural areas of the water/wastewater system which may give rise to unique risks. This, in turn, hinders the development of expertise, necessary training, guidelines, research, etc. specific to the area.</div><div>It is therefore proposed that water/wastewater systems should be divided into three zones: (A) main body of the water system; (B) periphery of the water/wastewater system; and (C) main body of in-premise wastewater system.</div><div>It is recommended that the term ‘water safety’ should be used to refer to the main body of the in-premise water system.</div><div>It is recommended that the term ‘clinically integrated water/wastewater safety’ should be used to refer to the periphery of the water/wastewater system.</div><div>It is recommended that the term ‘wastewater safety’ should be used to refer to the main body of the wastewater system.</div><div>It is recommended that both the periphery of the water/wastewater system and the main body of the wastewater system should be recognized in their own right, necessitating development of specific training and expertise in each area.</div><div>The water safety group should accordingly change their title to the ‘water/wastewater safety group’.</div><div>The range of stakeholders and knowledge base required to ensure water/wastewater safety needs to be expanded, delineated and recognized. Depending on the nature of the stakeholder, this could require improved exchange of information, development of training and expertise, etc.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 301-309"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144095914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on hospital robustness to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a large German university hospital","authors":"G. Donvito ,&nbsp;F. Bürkin ,&nbsp;T. Donker","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Patient transfers occur frequently between hospital departments and wards, and bring with them the risk of interdepartmental transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). These bacteria form a risk to patients already susceptible to colonization and infection.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To assess the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on the intrahospital network of a large German university hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using data collected from the hospital between 2019 and 2023, a model was developed to represent an intrahospital transfer network with all patient movements between all wards by creating a time-sliced temporal network for each month. The network was described, and its robustness against the spread of ARB was assessed by simulating outbreaks between wards.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>In April 2020, when many elective surgeries were cancelled due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the robustness of the network increased strongly in comparison with all other months. Despite the network being relatively stable over the study period, it was affected by an internal change in hospital structure due to a hospital merger.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The intrahospital transfer network was affected by external influences due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, slowing down the potential spread of nosocomial pathogens. The network was generally stable and recovered quickly, although an internal force affected the structure of the network. A better understanding of the influence of patient transfers will help in the design of intervention strategies against the spread of antimicrobial resistance within hospitals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 68-75"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144082155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the bactericidal efficacy of a new potassium monopersulphate-based disinfectant","authors":"P.P. Barbosa ,&nbsp;D.M. Leme ,&nbsp;N.G. Motta ,&nbsp;W.L.E. Magalhães ,&nbsp;J.L. Proenca-Modena ,&nbsp;J-Y. Maillard","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.04.033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> are common pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Both species can survive on surfaces following desiccation and form dry surface biofilms (DSBs), which complicates the disinfection process.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To evaluate the efficacy of an innovative potassium monopersulphate-based nanotechnology formulation (MPS) against both planktonic and sessile <em>S. aureus</em> and <em>K. pneumoniae</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The bactericidal efficacy of MPS was tested in comparison with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), which served as controls. The assessment was performed against planktonic bacteria, hydrated biofilm, and DSB using standard suspension and carrier tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to identify any gross structural damage.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>MPS (2% w/v) achieved a ≥4 log₁₀ reduction in <em>K. pneumoniae</em> with a short contact time, regardless of the test protocol. <em>S. aureus</em> was more resilient, but the introduction of wiping reduced the contact time needed to achieve a 4 log₁₀ reduction from 15 to 5 min. SEM analysis revealed gross structural damage in both species following MPS treatment. The other disinfectants tested were also bactericidal, achieving ≥4 log₁₀ reduction within 1–5 min, with the exception of DDAC against hydrated biofilms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The potassium monopersulphate-based formulation was found to be an effective bactericide, including against DSBs. Its efficacy compares favourably with other biocides commonly used in healthcare settings, and its biodegradability makes it a promising candidate for further development. However, optimization of the mechanical removal process will be essential to enhance MPS efficacy in practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"162 ","pages":"Pages 232-240"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144082152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}