Pulsed-xenon ultraviolet light disinfection in a burn unit: Impact on environmental bioburden, multidrug-resistant organism acquisition and healthcare associated infections

Portable pulsed xenon ultraviolet disinfection (PPX-UVD) may reduce healthcare associated infections (HAI). There is limited data to inform use in burn intensive care units (BICU), where multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), especially gram negative rods (GNR), commonly cause disease. We evaluated PPX-UVD effects on environmental bioburden and rates of HAI and MDRO acquisition in a BICU. PPX-UVD was used for 3 months after standard cleaning of patient and operating rooms (ORs). Settle and touch plates in patient rooms and ORs were obtained after standard cleaning, pre-and post-PPX-UVD. HAI and MDRO acquisition were evaluated 1 year prior to and for 3 month periods before, during, and after PPX-UVD. 110 touch and settle plates (33 pre- and 30 post-PPX-UVD) were obtained after standard cleaning, pre- and post-PPX-UVD. After PPX-UVD, environmental samples with any growth decreased (48% vs 31%, p = 0.02), as did mean colony count/sample (2.8 pre- vs 1.6 post-, p = 0.03). The 379 colonies largely represented skin commensals, without identified MDRO. Following PPX-UVD, no changes in device-associated infections, overall MDRO, or MDR GNR were seen, though a prolonged interval without healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection was observed. PPX-UVD in a BICU reduced overall environmental bioburden, without a statistically significant impact on HAI or MDRO.