Immunocompromised individuals in hospitals
are at an increased risk of infection from the
presence of microorganisms in hospital water
distribution systems. To provide more protection
for these individuals, a number of options are
available for adding secondary disinfection protection
to hospital systems to reduce the risk
of acquiring Legionnaires' disease. Each
disinfection alternative has advantages and
disadvantages.
This study was undertaken to evaluate the
benefits of using chlorine dioxide as a secondary
disinfectant. Results from two hospitals showed
that the use of chlorine dioxide can significantly
reduce the risk of acquiring Legionnaires' disease.
After using chlorine dioxide for a sufficient time
period, no cases of healthcare-acquired legionellosis
were identified in the two hospitals studied.
When selecting a secondary disinfectant, managers
should also note that the research showed chlorine
dioxide reduced the levels of other microorganisms
in drinking water and that chlorine
dioxide was relatively easy to dose and install,
compared with other disinfection options. Includes 42 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 101 - No. 5 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 820 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 11 |
| Published : | 05/01/2009 |
