MRSA Infection

Airflow in hospitals an MRSA factor?

ScienceDirect - Journal of Hospital Infection : Observing and quantifying airflows in the infection control of aerosol- and airborne-transmitted diseases: an overview of approaches.

With concerns about the potential for the aerosol and airborne transmission of infectious agents, particularly influenza, more attention is being focused on the effectiveness of infection control procedures to prevent hospital-acquired infections by this route. More recently a number of different techniques have been applied to examine the temporal–spatial information about the airflow patterns and the movement of related, suspended material within this air in a hospital setting. Closer collaboration with engineers has allowed clinical microbiologists, virologists and infection control teams to assess the effectiveness of hospital isolation and ventilation facilities. The characteristics of human respiratory activities have also been investigated using some familiar engineering techniques. Such studies aim to enhance the effectiveness of such preventive measures and have included experiments with human-like mannequins using various tracer gas/particle techniques, real human volunteers with real-time non-invasive Schlieren imaging, numerical modelling using computational fluid dynamics, and small scale physical analogues with water. This article outlines each of these techniques in a non-technical manner, suitable for a clinical readership without specialist airflow or engineering knowledge.

Filligent Mask active against MRSA

Filligent Achieves Coveted FFP2:2009 Classification for its Anti-Microbial Respirator in Europe.

Filligent's anti-microbial respirator model has received the coveted FFP2 NR EN149:2001 + A1:2009 certification, the highest protection standard of its kind in the world. The respirator kills over 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on contact, providing advanced protection for workers at standard prices. The respirator meets the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for protection against pandemic flu and tuberculosis, including HIV-related tuberculosis. It also inactivates H1N1, MRSA, measles and other major pathogens. In addition to meeting the new EU standards on filtration, the BioMask? respirator also reduces the risk of cross-contamination of hands and equipment - a serious workplace concern. The respirator has a comfortable and universal fit for most face types. It is self-sanitizing and is made with materials that are non-toxic for humans but lethal to disease-causing pathogens. Customer feedback from doctors and nurses confirms that Filligent's respirators provide all-day comfort and additional protection to workers when they need it most. The BioMask? respirators are long-lasting, durable and fold flat for pocket-sized convenience and storage.

New device claims destroys MRSA in minutes

New device destroys viruses and bacteria | Gather.

The Cirrus3 destroys harmful viruses and bacteria and protects the air around you. Cirrus3 claims its device is 100 times more effective than any other current method of decontamination. Tri-Air Developments has developed a technology that combines UV light with extremely low levels of ozone and mixes it with volatile hydrocarbons, to produce hydroxyls. This technology is used in Cirrus3 devices that emit hydroxyls in rooms of less than 25m³ up to rooms in excess of 500m³. In tests, it achieved kill rates of up to a 99.9999% in minutes. It can provide protection against a wide range of pathogenic viruses and bacteria, including Influenza, H1N1, SARS, MRSA, Norovirus, and many other viruses and bacteria.

'Fresh Air' Machine to Kill MRSA

The beginning of the end for MRSA? | Easier.

The unique technology contained in the Cirrus 3 manufactures a continual stream of hydroxyl radicals that are found in abundance in the natural environment and destroy any harmful bacteria in the outside air. To recreate fresh air indoors it combines UV light with extremely low levels of ozone and mixes it with volatile hydrocarbons (given off by plants). It is all perfectly safe and leaves the air pure, clean, fresh and germ free. Since 2006 Tri-Air Developments have conducted efficacy testing of the technology, with results including a kill of 99.9999% within minutes of the airborne test virus MS2-Phage, and a kill of between 99% and 99.99% of different surface based MRSA over a 48hr test period.

MRSA in the Air of a Hospital

Link: Study of the Indoor Air Quality in Hospitals in South Chennai, India -- Microbial Profile -- Sudharsanam et al. 17 (5): 435 -- Indoor and Built Environment.

A 3-month pilot study (February—April 2006) was conducted to determine the quality of indoor air in hospitals in the Tamil Nadu region of India and to characterize the predominant aerobic bacteria and fungi present. The main objectives were (1) to sample the indoor air of three different hospitals in Chennai for bioaerosols to generate baseline data using the Petri plate gravitational settling (passive) method of sampling; and (2) to isolate and identify potentially pathogenic organisms prevalent in the hospital environment. Indoor air samples were collected from various wards at the different hospitals and processed for the identification of various predominant bacteria and fungi. The overall counts of Gram-positive organisms were found to be higher than Gram-negative organisms. Of these isolates, Staphylococci and Micrococci were the predominant Gram-positive bacteria, while Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the predominant potentially pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria isolated. Among yeasts and molds, Aspergillus niger and A. flavus were commonly isolated.

Operating rooms need better air filtration to combat infection

Link: Preventing Perioperative Transmission Of Airborne Microorganisms: Pilot Study Reinforces Use Of Portable Anteroom HEPA Filtration.

Amidst an increase in new tuberculosis cases, researchers have begun investigating the effectiveness of new operating room filtration systems designed to protect staff and patients. According to pilot study findings published in the May issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, a supplemental portable anteroom high-efficiency particulate air (PAS- HEPA) filter unit placed outside operating room suites may prevent secondary transmission of airborne microorganisms like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). "The rate of decline in newly reported tuberculosis cases in the U.S. has slowed," said lead study investigator Russell N. Olmsted, MPH, CIC, epidemiologist from Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. "This, coupled with the worldwide emergence of even more drug-resistant tuberculosis, reinforces the need for renewed vigilance and surveillance from healthcare professionals. In particular, study results reinforce the need for measures to optimize air particle removal."

Govt plays down airborne MRSA transmission

Link: Hospitals: Infectious Diseases: 25 Feb 2008: Written answers (TheyWorkForYou.com).

Ann Keen (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Health Services), Department of Health) | Hansard source This reply only covers methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile ( C. difficile). The available evidence for MRSA and C. difficile is that the main route of transmission is via inadequately cleaned hands, hence the Department's focus on good hand hygiene and cleaning (especially of frequently touched areas). There is little evidence to suggest that airborne exposure is a significant transmission route. The Department continues to monitor any new evidence and is aware of some evaluations of air decontamination systems that are ongoing in national health service settings, the results of which will be reviewed when they are available.

Device kills MRSA in one hour

Link: Hospital Healthcare Europe - Device kills MRSA in one hour.

A bioscience medical device invented in Britain can eradicate the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) superbug and other bacteria and viruses on surfaces in just one hour by purifying the air, according to a new independent report. Unlike air filtration systems, the UK-patented prototype is effective even without processing all of the air in a room through the unit. It uniquely combines a number of established technologies to trigger a molecular "chain reaction" that decontaminates the environment of germs, say its British inventors Tri-Air Developments. This is achieved harmlessly, even within a hospital or other room that is occupied by people. In recent tests MRSA bacteria samples on glass and metal – concentrations similar to those that might be found in infected hospital wards – were exposed to the air purification system and destroyed in less than one hour. The results follow a report last year by the same laboratory that confirmed the unit took less than two minutes to kill airborne test bacteria Staphylococcus, which is the same genus as MRSA (UK HPA Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Porton Down, 2007). This purification process is 100 times more effective than any current method of decontamination and can maintain air purity for as long as the unit is operational, according to inventors Tri-Air Developments – co-founded by microbiologists at Promanade Ltd and technology transfer specialists Inventa Partners Ltd and the UK's Building Research Establishment.

Universal Detection Technology Analyzes the Spread of Community-Associated MRSA "Superbug"

Link: Universal Detection Technology Analyzes the Spread of Community-Associated MRSA "Superbug".

Universal Detection Technology (www.udetection.com) (OTCBB: UDTT) (FRANKFURT: P08), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, issued an analysis of the recent spread of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA). UDTT has licensed technologies that could detect airborne MRSA in an indoor environment and is currently marketing products that eliminate MRSA on surfaces. The Company has received several orders for its products and is in the process of launching a larger marketing campaign.

Sioux City Journal: MRSA clarifications

Link: Sioux City Journal: MRSA clarifications.

Nick Hytrek’s article on wrestling and MRSA (“Grappling with Staph”) was informational and brought attention to the public. It reminds students as well as parents to be aware of an ever-growing problem with contact sports. The article gave good tips on how to help prevent MRSA. However, I found a few errors in stating the facts involving MRSA. As a college student currently enrolled in a microbiology class, I have been studying bacteria and its resistance to antibiotics. In the article, the author states that “it is not possible to get MRSA through the air like a cold.” Actually, MRSA can be spread through the air if a person has MRSA pneumonia and is coughing, although it is not likely.

Power Of Scent Could Help Superbug Battle

Link: Power Of Scent Could Help Superbug Battle (from This Is Lancashire).

A BUSINESSMAN has come up with a way of defeating superbugs - with the power of scent. Roy Jackson, chairman of Scent Technologies, has developed a machine which gives off a secret blend of essential oils. Tests carried out at Manchester's Wythenshawe Hospital have revealed that "dry air" machines significantly reduced the amount of the airborne MRSA bacteria. advertisement Mr Jackson, aged 66, who lives on Lever Park Avenue, Horwich, is now calling on health chiefs at the Royal Bolton Hospital to introduce the machine in a bid to reduce their soaring rates of superbugs. He said: "It has had amazing results and I really think it would help at the Royal Bolton.

Airborne response to superbugs

Link: Buckingham Today - Buckingham News - Firm aids fight against superbugs.

HOSPITAL superbugs could be a thing of the past thanks to a new product made by a Buckingham-based firm. Inov8 Science, sister company of Inov8 Technologies based in Tingewick Road, last week launched the AD, a new device proven to kill airborne drug-resistant bugs like MRSA, Clostridium Difficile and E Coli. Inov8 Science says the device safely mimics the bug-killing properties of fresh air by emitting chemicals called hydroxyl radicals – which are produced in the human body as part of its natural defence mechanism. In fresh air, hydroxyl radicals are produced by the scents of flowers and plants.

New Weapons In The Fight Against Superbugs

Link: New Weapons In The Fight Against Superbugs.

Today sees the launch of two powerful weapons in the fight against superbugs from Synergy Healthcare. AirCleanse™, is a new air-purifying system for healthcare services that achieves a massive 99.99% kill rate for all airborne infections . Assure™/AssurePlus™ is a new range of cleaning products specially designed to meet the stringent needs of today's healthcare environment. Importantly both AirCleanse™ and AssurePlus™ are effective against the most resistant infections Clostridium difficile and tuberculosis (TB).

Trial of purifier tackling bugs

Link: Trial of purifier tackling bugs: Express & Star.

An air purifier which could wipe out killer superbugs is to get a hospital trial. Signature Aromas of Sedgley spent three years on the Purazone device, which kills airborne particles, and it is to be trialled at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital. Boss Brian Chappell built it after seeing hospital conditions when his brother-in-law was treated for leukaemia. Independent tests showed Purazone removes 99.9 per cent of MRSA and most of C.diff.

Vaporiser sends MRSA plummeting

Link: Wigan Today Wigan news - Infection fight breakthrough.

A Wigan firm is pioneering a gadget that will blitz killer superbugs in Britain's hospitals. Scent Technologies, a tiny operation on Miry Lane, has teamed up with scientists from Manchester Metropolitan University to create a vaporiser containing a secret formula of essential oils which, when sprayed into the air, kill deadly micro-organisms. A 10-month trial of the system at the burns unit of Wythenshawe Hospital has seen spectacular results. Airborne bugs, including lethal MRSA, were reduced by 90% and infections on the ward plummeted. The device and formula have now been patented and Scent Technologies MD Roy Jackson says the operation is too big for his firm to handle and they are looking for investors and a buyer.

Machines 'ward off hospital bugs'

Link: BBC NEWS | UK | England | Somerset | Machines 'ward off hospital bugs'.

A Somerset hospital has installed special "fresh air" machines to combat airborne bugs, odours and pollutants. Clevedon hospital said it was proud never to have had a case of MRSA and was working to keep it that way. Health bosses began testing the units last summer and has now put them in its wards and minor injuries department. Matron Gwen Hobbs said: "We are pleased to reassure our community that we are working hard to protect the hospital and its patients from infection." The machines are said to kill bacteria and viruses, but also remove the triggers that can cause some allergies and breathing difficulties. The hospital said that research had shown them to be particularly effective against MRSA and norovirus.

MRSA - Advanced Ozone Technology To Be Trialled In Hospitals

Link: MRSA - Advanced Ozone Technology To Be Trialled In Hospitals.

Stockport-based environmental hygiene specialist Steritrox has been awarded a research grant to develop their advanced ozone system to combat the growing threat to public health of MRSA, Clostridium Difficile and other acquired infections in hospitals. The £168,000 research and development grant was awarded to Steritrox by the Northwest Regional Development Agency on behalf of the Department of Trade & Industry. The Steritrox system was originally developed for sanitizing high care production facilities in the food industry and is currently being used by some of Europe’s largest food manufactures to control potentially harmful bacteria and contaminants.

Enzyme found in tears could combat MRSA

Link: ScienceDaily

UK firm Rigest are looking for backers to develop an air sanitizing system using an enzyme found naturally in human tears. Lactoperoxidase can attack and kill microbes such as 'flu viruses and the bacteria responsible for MRSA. The system could be used to sanitize the air in airplanes and hospital sick bays.

Clean air system for homes could combat MRSA

Link: KVIA.com – The El Paso News Leader

    IQAir North America, the industry leader in high-efficiency air cleaning products, announced today the introduction of their new whole-house air cleaning system. The system, named the PerfectHome, far exceeds the level of air cleaning effectiveness provided by any other whole-house air cleaning system. It is designed to be the ultimate high end air cleaning system for people with health conscious lifestyles. The PerfectHome contains the world's most advanced two-stage filtration process. It captures micro-particles with its MERV 16 rated pre-filter. Then it eliminates nano-particles with its high-performance HyperHEPA filter. The PerfectHome is based on IQAir's patented technology used in hospitals to filter particles as small as Avian flu, SARS virus, and MRSA. The PerfectHome filters 100% of the air passing through a residential HVAC system, with a 99.97% efficiency for particles as small as 0.3 microns and 99.5% efficiency for particles down to 0.003 microns. In addition to providing the highest level of air filtration efficiency, the PerfectHome also offers the lowest air resistance in the whole-house air cleaning market. Due to the PerfectHome's energy-efficient digital fan, the system provides up to 2,000 CFM of ultra-clean air with zero pressure drop. "The performance of the PerfectHome is unprecedented," says Frank Hammes, President of IQAir. "Previously, this level of air filtration was only possible in multi-million dollar clean rooms. At an installed price starting at $7,500, this system addresses the absolute high end in the residential air cleaning market. It is for people who want and demand the very best in their homes."

Reduction in MRSA environmental contamination with a portable HEPA-filtration unit.

Link: Reduction

      There is renewed interest in the hospital environment as a potentially important factor for cross-infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other nosocomial pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtration unit (IQAir Cleanroom H13, Incen AG, Goldach, Switzerland) at reducing MRSA environmental surface contamination within a clinical setting. The MRSA contamination rate on horizontal surfaces was assessed with agar settle plates in ward side-rooms of three patients who were heavy MRSA dispersers. Contamination rates were measured at different air filtration rates (60-235m(3)/h) and compared with no air filtration using Poisson regression. Without air filtration, between 80% and 100% of settle plates were positive for MRSA, with the mean number of MRSA colony-forming units (cfu)/10-h exposure/plate ranging from 4.1 to 27.7. Air filtration at a rate of 140m(3)/h (one patient) and 235m(3)/h (two patients), resulted in a highly significant decrease in contamination rates compared with no air filtration (adjusted rate ratios 0.037, 0.099 and 0.248, respectively; P<0.001 for each). A strong association was demonstrated between the rate of air filtration and the mean number of MRSA cfu/10-h exposure/plate (P for trend<0.001). In conclusion, this portable HEPA-filtration unit can significantly reduce MRSA environmental contamination within patient isolation rooms, and this may prove to be a useful addition to existing MRSA infection control measures.