New Microbicide Effective Against MRSA

New decontamination technology is effective against infectious organisms in hospitals, including methecillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The patented vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) technology was developed by Steris Ltd. (Basingstoke, UK). It has been used to decontaminate hospital wards, isolation rooms, operating theaters, and transfer vehicles. Current research is evaluating VHP's efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and other viruses, while research in Germany has confirmed its effectiveness against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. A report in the August 7, 2004, issue of The Lancet noted that the unique dry VHP process can inactivate prions that cause Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. The technology is providing a sterile environment in many pharmaceutical facilities and research laboratories, and has also been used to remediate anthrax contamination in two U.S. federal buildings.

The technology uses a low-temperature, dry vapor process proven to be highly effective against pathogenic organisms and bacterial spores. The process is environmentally friendly, noncarcinogenic, noncorrosive at use concentrations, and does not leave any toxic residues. Unlike many other antimicrobials, the vapor breaks down into the nontoxic by-products of water vapor and oxygen.

"It looks very interesting for tackling a range of viruses, including influenza and SARS,” commented Professsor John Oxford, of Queen Mary's Medical School (London, UK). "Working with Steris we will be commencing trials for using VHP technology to eradicate influenza and SARS in a matter of days.”




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