CPE combatted through hydrogen peroxide vapour treatment
Increasing prevalence of Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae is being recorded globally and could cause long-term problems for hospitals if action is not taken to control the spread
Increasing prevalence of Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is being recorded globally, with a marked rise in the UK. These Gram-negative bacteria, close to resistance against the Carbapenem family of antibiotics (those commonly used as last resort treating CPE infections), could cause long-term problems for hospitals if action is not taken to control their spread.
A renowned infirmary based in the north of England unfortunately detected several cases of CPE in an elderly care ward. Mechanical ventilation coupled with catheter use – high risk factors aiding contraction of CPE infections among the immunocompromised – were in use with several patients. To tackle the problems faced, infection control decided it sensible to contact Bioquell to investigate HPV biological decontamination’s worth of treating affected rooms.
The client, previously having made use of Bioquell's Room Bio-decontamination Service (RBDS) as a routine measure to lower threat from other potentially pathogenic organisms, was aware of the benefits the unique service Bioquell can provide. Application of the technology on this occasion gave a structured, viable emergency response to controlling outbreak of CPE infection. Forty-four rooms were treated over a 2-week period, by way of 'bioquelling' areas in harmony with nursing staff/bed management’s needs for patient movement.
Martyn Broadbent, RBDS Healthcare Specialist, described the project as 'safely bringing under control the hazards posed by this outbreak. It is satisfying to witness Bioquell technology really making a difference in the fight against CPE'. All rooms were environmentally monitored following the NTD cycles. No existence of the organism was found, consolidating chemical indicator (CI) 6-log reduction in all rooms.
