The Best Cleaning Methods for C. difficile/C. auris

The pathogens C. difficile (C. diff) and Candida auris (C. auris) are commonly found on hospital beds, surfaces, and floors. However, new disinfectant application methods may be the key to controlling these germs, Infection Control Today reports.  

Investigators in a recent study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, tested standard protocols to eliminate C. diff and C. auris in hospital settings using three sporicidal disinfectants: electrolyzed water, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide.  

The study was conducted at two New York City hospitals with a combined 1,082 beds over 18 months. The investigators sampled five surfaces in randomly selected rooms for microbial colony counts after cleansing. The results showed that new innovative application methods, such as electrostatic sprayers, may increase disinfection effectiveness. 

“In addition to developing environmental surveillance to assess disinfection of surfaces within patient care locations, new sporicidal chemical disinfectants, and application methods with minimal toxicity and surface damage profiles are needed to combat the rise of surface-persistent pathogens,” the investigators noted in the study.  

They suggested that hospital environmental services (EVS) staff incorporate these modern application methods into their cleaning protocol to help ensure the safety and health of patients and staff.