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Disinfectant use greatly reduced virus spread in facilities
Noroviruses capable of quickly contaminating facilities can be slowed effectively through the use of wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds, according to data presented at ICAAC 2014.
“Using disinfecting wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds registered by EPA as effective against viruses, like norovirus and flu, along with hand hygiene, reduced virus spread by 80% to 99%,” Charles Gerba, PhD, of the University of Arizona, Tucson, said in a press release.
At the beginning of the day, researchers placed bacteriophage MS-2, a surrogate for human norovirus, on one to two commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs or tabletops in office buildings, conference rooms and a health care facility. Sixty to 100 high touch areas were later sampled for the presence of the phages. This was followed by an intervention phase in which cleaning personnel were provided with disinfectant wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds and were instructed on their proper use.
Within 2 to 4 hours, 40% to 60% of the surfaces sampled were contaminated with the virus. After intervention, the number of virus-containing fomites was reduced by at least 80%, with the concentration of the virus reduced by 99% or more.
“The results [show] that viral contamination of fomites in facilities occurs quickly, and that a simple intervention can greatly reduce exposure to viruses,” the researchers concluded.
For more information:
Gerba C. Abstract K-1722. Presented at: 2014 Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Sept. 5-9; Washington, D.C.
Disclosure: The researchers received grant funding through the Consumer Specialty Products Association.