Testing by a team of researchers with an Ohio VA medical center indicates that sporicidal disinfectants are more effective against the multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris (C. auris) than quaternary-ammonium disinfectants, according to a study published August 2, 2023, in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
The researchers looked at 23 different cleaning products used in 57 healthcare facilities across 30 states. The products included chlorine- and peracetic acid–based disinfectants, which are sporicidal, and quaternary-ammonium and hydrogen peroxide–based disinfectants, which are not.
The researchers put different strains of C. auris, including the drug resistant strain, on surfaces and then cleaned the surfaces with the different products. A product was seen as effective if a greater than 5 log10 reduction in C. auris was achieved.
The results showed that five of the chlorine-based disinfectants and one with peracetic acid reduced all the C. auris strains by 5 log10 or more. Three hydrogen peroxide-based products also worked well. However, the quaternary-ammonium disinfectants were largely ineffective. Only one product reduced C. auris strains by more than 5 log10, but it wasn’t effective against the drug-resistant strain.
The study authors say that while real-world studies are needed, the findings are important because quaternary-ammonium disinfectants are widely used in US healthcare facilities, which have seen a dramatic increase C. auris colonization and infection in recent years.
The study can be accessed here.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
C. auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast. It can cause severe infections and spreads easily between hospitalized patients and nursing home residents. C. auris can cause bloodstream infections and even death, particularly in hospital and nursing home patients with serious medical problems. More than 1 in 3 patients with invasive C. auris infection (for example, an infection that affects the blood, heart, or brain) die. C. auris has caused outbreaks in healthcare facilities and can spread through contact with affected patients and contaminated surfaces or equipment. Good hand hygiene and cleaning in healthcare facilities is important because C. auris can live on surfaces for several weeks.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures and the infection prevention and control plan to ensure they include the most effective strategies and interventions to prevent and control the spread of C. auris and other infections.
- Train staff on the most current infection prevention and control protocols, including contacting state or local public health authorities and the CDC (candidaauris@cdc.gov) immediately for guidance if a resident is suspected to have C. auris. Document that the training occurred and keep a signed copy in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to ensure that your facility’s infection prevention and control plan contains the most current CDC guidance and is being followed by all staff members. Provide additional education as needed.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
