Air Decontamination System Shows Near 100% Reduction in MRSA and 70% Decrease in Healthcare Associated Infections

ActivePure Medical specializes in continuous environmental decontamination systems with its ActivePure Technology, which pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and molds.

Image credits: ActivePure

ActivePure Medical, a division of AP Sciences Group, LLC, has announced study results demonstrating that its Induct Guardian Series air decontamination system can achieve a 96% to 99% reduction in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and a 70% decrease in total healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across two hospitals. This innovative continuous air and surface decontamination technology provides automated, human-independent protection in healthcare settings.¹

Study Details

The study evaluated the effects of advanced photohydrolysis continuous disinfection technology on environmental bioburden in hospitals. Findings reveal that this continuous disinfection significantly reduces contamination on surfaces, floors, and in the air, leading to fewer healthcare-associated infections. Surface testing at the hospitals showed more than a 98% reduction in mean colony-forming units (CFUs) of fungi and MRSA, with floor contamination decreasing by over 96% for fungi and MRSA. Additionally, airborne fungal CFUs were reduced by up to 89%, while aerobic bacterial CFUs fell by up to 72%. The technology’s continuous operation, suitability for use in occupied rooms, and lack of reliance on human intervention make it a valuable solution for managing contamination in complex healthcare environments.²

The study involved sampling every 4 weeks for 4 months at 2 acute care intensive care units in Kentucky and Louisiana. CFUs of MRSA and fungi were measured on surfaces and floors, and fungi and aerobic bacteria were assessed in the air.²

Context and Impact

HAIs continue to be a major global issue, with the CDC estimating approximately 722,000 HAIs and 75,000 related deaths annually in the US.³ The study highlights the potential of ActivePure Technology to significantly improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs.¹

“These studies confirm that current manual disinfection practices, despite dedicated cleaning protocols, still leave patients exposed to persistent reservoirs of deadly pathogens,” Joseph P. Urso, chief executive officer of AP Sciences Group, LLC, said in a statement. “By providing an automated, continuous layer of added protection, our medical grade technology delivered unprecedented reductions in concerning organisms driving preventable infections across these intensive care units. These aren't just poignant statistics; they represent a pivotal advancement in safeguarding vulnerable patients and healthcare staff.”¹

MRSA Explained

This strain of staph is MRSA a strain of S aureus that is resistant to several antibiotics. This germ is commonly found on the skin or in the nose of about one in three people and it can cause more severe infections due to its resistance. Symptoms typically include red, swollen, and painful bumps on the skin, which may be warm to the touch, filled with pus, and accompanied by fever. Prevention involves keeping wounds covered, avoiding sharing personal items, frequent hand washing, and not picking at sores.⁴

If untreated, MRSA can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, sepsis, and potentially death. MRSA spreads through direct contact with infected people, wounds, or contaminated items. Diagnosis requires laboratory testing, and treatment may involve antibiotics or, in severe cases, surgery.⁴

Technology Overview

ActivePure Technology mimics natural atmospheric cleansing processes by generating oxidizing molecules that neutralize pathogens in the air and on surfaces. Proven effective in various settings, including healthcare facilities, it has shown up to a 94% reduction in COVID-19 among nursing home residents.¹

In summary, ActivePure Medical plans to expand the use of its Induct Guardian Series air decontamination system following the study’s successful results. The company aims to integrate the technology further into healthcare settings to reduce HAIs and MRSA.

References

1. ActivePure Medical Announces First-Ever Study Demonstrating 96-99% Reduction in MRSA and 70% Decrease in Total Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) in Two Hospitals. ActivePure. News release. Published August 6, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240806807512/en/ActivePure-Medical-Announces-First-Ever-Study-Demonstrating-96-99-Reduction-in-MRSA-and-70-Decrease-in-Total-Healthcare-Associated-Infections-HAIs-in-Two-Hospitals

2. The effects of a novel, continuous disinfectant technology on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), fungi, and aerobic bacteria in 2 separate intensive care units in 2 different states: An experimental design with observed impact on health care associated infections (HAIs). American Journal of Infection Control. Published April 11, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(24)00155-X/fulltext

3. CDC. HAIs: Reports and Data. Updated May 7, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/php/data/index.html

4. CDC. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Basics. Updated April 11, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/about/