Activity of a dry mist-generated hydrogen peroxide disinfection system against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of a dry mist-generated hydrogen peroxide (DMHP) system (Sterinis; Gloster Sante Europe, Labege cedex, France) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii.MethodsMcFarland 0.5 suspensions of 2 test bacteria, either pure or containing 5% sterile serum, were prepared and inoculated onto sterile stainless steel disks. Each disk in a Petri dish—with the Petri dish cover either closed or open—was placed in different locations in an intensive care unit room. Quantitative cultures were performed after the cycle.ResultsNo growth occurred on the disks in the absence of a barrier, except 1 disk containing serum. Existence of a barrier, as a drawer or a covered Petri dish, caused failure in the disinfection activity. The mean reduction in initial log10 bacterial count was lower for both of the test bacteria in presence of a barrier: 4.44- to 4.70-log10 colony-forming units (cfu) decrease was observed in absence of a barrier, whereas 1.49- to 3.79-log10 cfu decrease was observed in presence of a barrier. When the culture results were compared according to organic load content, the mean (±standard deviation) reduction of initial contamination in pure and in serum containing MRSA suspensions was 4.25 ± 1.20- and 3.34 ± 1.89-log10 cfu, respectively. The mean (±standard deviation) reduction in pure and in serum containing A baumannii suspensions was 4.34 ± 0.89- and 3.87 ± 1.26-log10 cfu, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P < .001).ConclusionSterinis was capable of killing MRSA and A baumannii on open surfaces; however, it was not effective in closed or semiclosed areas. Presence of serum also caused failure in the disinfection activity of the system.