Stable Clostridioides difficile infection rates after the discontinuation of ultraviolet light for terminal disinfection at a tertiary care center, Iowa 2019-2020

Am J Infect Control. 2021 Dec;49(12):1567-1568. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.08.005. Epub 2021 Aug 13.

Abstract

We compared the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection before and after the discontinuation of Ultraviolet light used in addition to bleach in terminal disinfection of hospital rooms. We found no difference in C. difficile infection rates but found a decreased turn over time. The benefit of Ultraviolet light may be diminished in hospitals with a high thoroughness of manual cleaning.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile; Turnover times; UV light.

MeSH terms

  • Clostridioides
  • Clostridioides difficile*
  • Cross Infection* / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection* / prevention & control
  • Disinfection
  • Humans
  • Iowa
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Ultraviolet Rays