ActivePure Medical has unveiled the promising results of a study showcasing the efficacy of its Induct Guardian Series air decontamination system. The study showed an impressive reduction of between 96-99% in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and a 70% decrease in overall healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across two monitored hospitals. This revolutionary air and surface decontamination technology operates continuously, providing protection in healthcare settings without human intervention.
Deborah (Debbi) Birx, MD, currently serving as the chief medical and science advisor at ActivePure, sheds light on the significance of combating MRSA, a persistent and omnipresent threat in healthcare settings. According to Birx, MRSA is responsible for approximately 11% of all hospital-acquired infections and an alarming 42% of deaths arising from such infections. This statistic underscores MRSA’s potential for devastation, especially amongst patients who are already vulnerable due to surgical procedures or trauma.
MRSA, a Strain of S. aureus that is resistant to numerous antibiotics, is typically found in the skin or nasal passage of nearly one in three individuals, often resulting in severe infections due to its drug-resistant nature. Avoiding MRSA infection necessitates diligent wound care, minimal sharing of personal items, scrupulous hand hygiene, and refraining from interfering with sores.
Birx further elucidates on the challenges posed by MRSA. Its antibiotic resistance has led to the development of potent antibiotics, disturbing the balance of our crucial gut microbiome and potentially leading to various health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular problems, and inflammation. Undiagnosed and untreated MRSA could result in pneumonia, bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, sepsis, and in some cases, fatal outcomes. MRSA spreads primarily through direct contact with infected individuals, wounds, or contaminated articles, necessitating lab testing for diagnosis and crucial treatment via antibiotics or surgery in severe situations.
The study employed photohydrolysis-based continuous disinfection technology to analyze its effect on hospital environmental bioburden. The findings were encouraging, with a noticeable reduction in surface, floor, and airborne contamination leading to diminished healthcare-associated infections. Testing at the participating hospitals witnessed an over 98% reduction in mean colony-forming units (CFUs) of fungi and MRSA. Floor contamination also dropped by above 96% for both fungi and MRSA, while airborne fungal CFUs and aerobic bacterial CFUs witnessed declines of up to 89% and 72% respectively.
Birx outlined how the ActivePure system – which functions continuously to produce hydroxyl radicals circulated into the air and onto surfaces for the destruction of bacterial and fungal membranes – was deployed and evaluated. Before and after installation of the system, bacterial and fungal loads on the surfaces and in the air were measured, resulting in a reduction of over 90% for both types.
The technology’s ongoing operation and suitability for use in occupied spaces, along with its non-reliance on human intervention, establishes its worth as a strategic solution for managing infection in challenging healthcare settings. Standard methods were adhered to throughout the study with analysis by an independent group using classic detection and analysis techniques.
In conclusion, Birx reiterated the merit of ActivePure’s photohydrolysis technology in providing non-stop disinfection of air and surfaces apt for the control of MRSA. This is only the beginning of the journey with more elaborate discussions forthcoming on taking on HAIs utilizing this technology.