Biology subjects

Koutras, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Koutras, C..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Ultraviolet-C mediated inactivation of Candida auris, a rapid emerging health threat

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), pose significant challenges to patient safety. Candida auris (C. auris), an emerging MDRO fungus, has been acknowledged as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its high mortality and difficulty in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 254 nm ultraviolet-C light (UV-C) in inactivating C. auris on hard surfaces. A mobile UV-C tower equipped with high-performance bulbs was used, and within 7 minutes of continuous exposure, [≥] 99.97% ([≥] 3.86 log10) inactivation of C. auris was achieved in a patient-room sized test chamber. Our findings suggest that UV-C can serve as an effective infection control measure for preventing C. auris and other MDRO HAIs in healthcare settings. Implementation of UV-C disinfection protocols can contribute to enhanced patient safety and combat the growing threat of MDRO pathogens.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Effectiveness of an ultraviolet-C disinfection system for inactivating Clostridioides difficile spores in critical areas of a simulated patient room

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) pose a significant threat to patient safety in healthcare facilities. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of an ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection system in reducing C. difficile surface contamination in a simulated patient room. The results showed an overall 98.17% reduction in C. difficile spores after UV-C treatment of directly exposed and shadowed areas, an efficiency that translated to a 4.91% reduction per minute of room vacancy. This study demonstrates that UV-C disinfection is an effective method for reducing C. difficile spores in healthcare settings, and that efficiency can be improved with shorter setup times and optimal device placement.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2022

Rapid inactivation of vaccinia, a surrogate virus for monkeypox and smallpox, using ultraviolet-C disinfection

Human monkeypox is an emerging health threat that has the potential to cause serious sequelae. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection is a physical process that triggers microbial inactivation through irreversible DNA damage. A high-output mobile UV-C unit was evaluated against vaccinia, a monkeypox surrogate, for antimicrobial efficacy. In under 7 minutes, a single UV-C cycle had a virucidal efficacy of [≥] 99.996 % in a 200 sq feet area. UV-C technology is a promising strategy for infection prevention and control in the post-COVID era.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Real-time inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2 using ultraviolet-C

COVID-19 is a life-threatening respiratory infection that has had a profound impact on indoor air quality awareness. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) is a physical disinfection process that triggers microbial inactivation through creating irreversible genetic material damage. An upper room device equipped with germicidal UV-C (UR GUV) was evaluated against airborne SARS-CoV-2 for antimicrobial efficacy using a robust aerosol testing protocol. In 30 minutes, it led to a virucidal efficacy of 99.994 % in a large, room-sized chamber. UR GUV is a promising mitigation strategy for airborne pathogens.

microbiology↗