Surface

Kampf, G.
Clostridium difficile – what has to be kept in mind for effective disinfection?
Hyg Med 2008; 33 (4): 153 - 159.

Content
Clostridium difficile is a dangerous nosocomial germ - particularly because of its ability to develop spores – and inanimate surfaces are a reservoir for new infections. This article shows that sporicidal surface disinfection can significantly reduce the rate of infection.

Kramer A, Schwebke I, Kampf G.
How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces?
A systematic review.
BMC Infect. Dis. 2006; 6: 130.

Content
Most pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses can persist on inanimate surfaces for several months. Hence, they may well be a source of avoidable nosocomial infections. Being based on scientific literature this overview describes which pathogens can persist for how long on inanimate surfaces and which factors have an effect on the persistence.

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Kramer A, Schwebke I, Kampf G.
How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review.
BMC Infectious Diseases 2006; 6:130.

Content
Inanimate surfaces have often been described as the source for outbreaks of nosocomial infections. The aim of this review is to summarize data on the persistence of different nosocomial pathogens on inanimate surfaces. The most common nosocomial pathogens may well survive or persist on surfaces for months and can thereby be a continuous source of transmission if no regular preventive surface disinfection is performed.

Gebel J, Hornei B, Vacata V, Dietlein E, Exner M.
New perceptions and evaluation of the properties of surface cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Hyg med 2004; 29 (9):327-333.

Content
In consideration of new RKI recommendations, the authors developed a new test method, which, under practical conditions, allows the comparison of disinfection and cleaning procedure efficacies in terms of microorganism reduction and the risk of microorganism spreading in the environment.

Rutala WA, Weber DJ.
Surface disinfection: should we do it?
J Hosp Infect. 2002 Aug; 48 Suppl A: 64-68.

Content
This paper reviews the epidemiological and microbiological data regarding the use of disinfectants on non-critical surfaces. As a consequence, surface cleaning and disinfection near patients should be routinely carried out on the basis of a risk analysis and an evaluation of the level of knowledge as well as after patient discharge. In addition, the hygienists regard disinfection of floors in patient areas as reasonable to control nosocomial infections.