The fight against antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections, which are estimated to cost millions of lives annually by 2050, has to transcend traditional approaches. More often than not, these AMR infections are contracted within healthcare facilities, leading experts to question current sterilization methods. In fact, research indicates that significant bacterial colonies remain on many hospital surfaces, even post-cleaning. These bacteria not only pose a health threat, but are also developing resistance to antibiotics and prevalent disinfectants. Whilst antibiotic stewardship stands as a vital measure in combating AMR, the overlooked element of how we clean our healthcare facilities is equally significant.
Traditional chemical disinfectants, though widely used in healthcare facilities for years, are now revealing their limitations. Pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii have evolved to withstand these disinfectants and alarmingly, are also capable of damaging the plastics utilized in medical devices. This mandates a shift in cleaning practices, especially in healthcare facilities whose primary purpose is the protection of vulnerable populations. Moreover, sustained use of chemical cleaners has led to side effects including respiratory issues and the piling up of disposable plastic waste.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), nature’s own disinfectant, presents a superior and sustainable solution. HOCl, produced by our white blood cells to neutralize pathogens, is highly efficient and non-toxic. Through electrolysis, HOCl can be produced from basic materials such as salt, water, and electricity. Offering broad-spectrum disinfection without residual toxicity or detrimental effects on equipment, HOCl signifies a promising way forward. Whilst acute healthcare has been slow to incorporate HOCl, sectors such as senior living, food manufacturing, and recreational venues have embraced this natural disinfectant as a sustainable alternative to chemical cleaners.
However, to successfully integrate HOCl into everyday use, myths around clean spaces need to be dispelled. A clean space isn’t connoted by the smell of bleach or citrus, but rather by the absence of pathogens. In response to this, regulators in North America are now beginning to acknowledge HOCl’s safety and effectiveness. A salient way forward lies in dispensing it at scale using simple and accessible materials. Electrolyzed water systems like the ones offered by Viking Pure Solutions can generate disinfectant and a general-purpose cleaner onsite, offering a viable and consistent solution. With the rising concern of drug-resistant bacteria, we need novel methods of cleaning, such as HOCl, that effectively kill harmful bacteria without posing additional risks.
The urgency of addressing drug-resistant infections mandates a revising of the way we clean. It is the responsibility of healthcare leaders to scrutinize traditional practices and consider safer and proven methods already in use in other sectors. It’s time to reevaluate our perception of clean and ensure that our disinfecting practices are sustainable, safe, and most importantly, effective.