You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Theses and Dissertations

Survival and decontamination of potential bio-warfare agents on hospital surfaces

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2005
Summary:
Effective decontamination of infectious agents on critical and other hospital surfaces will drastically reduce nosocomial infections and impacts of any biological attack. This research determined the distribution of multiple species of bacteria on 16 different surfaces in two hospitals over a period of time to identify potential reservoirs of infection. The relative efficacy of current hospital disinfectants on endospores were also evaluated to inform policy. Using simulations of endospore-laden surfaces under laboratory conditions, the effects of exposure time, disinfectant concentration and possible synergies with endospore germination stimulant were evaluated. Keyboards, phones, door handles and bed rails were identified as risky hospital surfaces. The location and use of the surfaces were significant determinants of bacterial load. None of the disinfectants tested was sporicidal (<50% reduction). The results of this unique study provide healthcare personnel with a practical guide to control the spread of infection during peace and bio-warfare times.
Title: Survival and decontamination of potential bio-warfare agents on hospital surfaces.
106 views
36 downloads
Name(s): Moench, Ian
Florida Atlantic University, Degree Grantor
Esiobu, Nwadiuto, Thesis Advisor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Issuance: monographic
Date Issued: 2005
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 164 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Effective decontamination of infectious agents on critical and other hospital surfaces will drastically reduce nosocomial infections and impacts of any biological attack. This research determined the distribution of multiple species of bacteria on 16 different surfaces in two hospitals over a period of time to identify potential reservoirs of infection. The relative efficacy of current hospital disinfectants on endospores were also evaluated to inform policy. Using simulations of endospore-laden surfaces under laboratory conditions, the effects of exposure time, disinfectant concentration and possible synergies with endospore germination stimulant were evaluated. Keyboards, phones, door handles and bed rails were identified as risky hospital surfaces. The location and use of the surfaces were significant determinants of bacterial load. None of the disinfectants tested was sporicidal (<50% reduction). The results of this unique study provide healthcare personnel with a practical guide to control the spread of infection during peace and bio-warfare times.
Identifier: 9780496971565 (isbn), 13215 (digitool), FADT13215 (IID), fau:10073 (fedora)
Note(s): Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2005.
Subject(s): Bioterrorism--Health aspects
Emergency management--United States
Health facilities--Sanitation--United States
Bioterrorism--United States--Prevention
Disaster medicine
Disinfection and disinfectants
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13215
Sublocation: Digital Library
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.