January 14, 2021

Bacterial but No SARS-CoV-2 Contamination after Terminal Disinfection of Tertiary Care Intensive Care Units Treating COVID-19 Patients

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

Keywords (Tags): public health

After disinfection of two tertiary COVID-19 ICUs in Switzerland, no SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected among 86 swabs sampled from defined locations. 90 swabs sampled in parallel in the same locations revealed low contamination with gram-negative bacteria, particularly in sinks and siphons. One ICU was disinfected with Kohrsolin 1% and dry mist hydrogen peroxide, while the other ICU was disinfected with Kohrsolin 1% alone. Disinfecting staff were blinded to the study.

Hofmaenner et al. (Jan 12, 2021). Bacterial but No SARS-CoV-2 Contamination after Terminal Disinfection of Tertiary Care Intensive Care Units Treating COVID-19 Patients. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-021-00885-z