Conjunctivitis- A red flag in the ophthalmology unit
Have you heard? Viral conjunctivitis is responsible for the majority of infectious conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 75% of cases. [1] Also, it is one of the most frequently occurring healthcare-acquired (HAI) infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common HAI in neonatal hospital illnesses. [2]
Healthcare and Hospitals settings are a breeding zone for Hospital Acquired Conjunctivitis (HAC). The spectrum of HAC’s differs in healthcare facilities depending upon the hygiene measures implemented, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and other gram-negative bacteria are the prevalent infection causing pathogens in clinics and hospitals where treatments are performed.
Hospitalised neonates are highly vulnerable to bacterial conjunctivitis because their young and developing immune system are frequently tested by any environment, procedure or medical equipment that is not meticulously clean. [3] HACs if left untreated, can have serious consequences for neonates, their parent and the staff treating them.
Conjunctivitis- A monsoon threat in India
Monsoon conditions increase and exacerbate the risk as highlighted in a recent article about the spike of Pink Eye cases in Kozhikode, Kerala due to changes in the climatic conditions. [4]
Leila Mohan, head of pediatric ophthalmology and senior phaco surgeon, Comtrust Eye Hospital, Kozhikode quoted that, “ensuring good hygiene practices would help a great deal in preventing the spread of the infection’’.
Viral Conjunctivitis is considered as a monsoon malady as the cases spike in the rainy season. The moisture in the air makes the germs grow, spread and thrive longer leading to alarming increases in the incidents of HAC’s.
In 2022, Tamil Nadu alone reported 150,000 cases with conjunctivitis. [5]
Adenovirus- Current ocular trauma amongst eye-health workers
Adenoviral infection of the eye is a prevalent cause of bilateral conjunctivitis. The infection of the ocular surface is the cause of ocular morbidity and stringent hygiene measures must be put in place to stop the spread of illness. Sterilized ophthalmic instruments must be used to prevent the outbreak of an Adenoviral infection [6]
Many current products use inadequate levels of active ingredients or older generation actives dating back to the 1980’s such as 3rd, 4th generation QAC’s, alcohol, Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Potassium Peroxymonosulfate, Sodium Dodecylbenzene- Sulfonate and Sulfamic acids, rendering them ineffective or less effective in killing pathogens in ophthalmology.
Using substandard products will compromise overall hygiene practices, increase the risk of infections and healthcare outcomes for patients and care providers, increasing overall costs. Also, the old generation disinfectants are ineffective in high soiling environments and require long contact time to work. These products are least effective in the presence of bioburden, mostly present in hospital settings. [7]
It is important for healthcare facilities and ophthalmologists to select the next generation disinfectants that are approved and tested to the latest standards such as the EN gold standard. These certified disinfectants offer greater efficacy and shorter contact time to achieve microbial kill.
Next gen QAC's effective in ophthalmology hygiene
Medical equipment or devices that come in contact with mucous membranes, eg. conjunctiva, are classified as semi-critical and hence, require high levels of hygiene and disinfection.[8] Also, other ophthalmologic equipment (eg. intra-ocular ultrasound probes, fundus contact lenses, gonioscopy lenses, rigid contact lenses) that touch the eye must be thoroughly sterilized using high-level of disinfection. Use of alcohol is insufficient and does not meet the required standards. Old generation formaldehyde, alcohols and harsh acids damage and degrade surfaces, which in turn increase costs.
Hospitals failing to maintain the foremost hygiene tend to come across outbreaks of cluster infections more frequently. Standardized operation theatre procedures and hygiene measures must be implemented to prevent the outbreak.[9]
Using the next generation of 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th QACs tested against the latest EN gold standards will support healthcare professionals in improving ophthalmology hygiene.[10]
These newest generation of products undergo rigorous testing and are effective against wide range of microorganisms, including ESKAPE pathogens & Clostridium difficile (spores & bacteria), Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Norovirus, HIV, MRSA, and Avian Flu.
Bioguard – The new generation and smart choice for ophthalmology hygiene
Formulated with high-performance compound BIOCHEMⓇ, Bioguard products are highly effective. Independently tested under high-soling conditions, Bioguard eliminates harmful viruses, bacteria, and spores with the least contact time.
Here are the valuable benefits of Bioguard-
- Latest generation QAC’s – Formulated using 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th gen QAC’s, Bioguard offers broad spectrum microbiological efficacy against virucidal eye infection like XBB.1.16. or Arcturus, an emerging coronavirus strain.
- Cost-Effective – Combined cleaning and disinfection capability eliminates the need for multiple products. Greater dilutions per litre making it cost-effective.
- Powered by Biochem – All products are powered by Biochem, a unique compound for high performance cleaning & disinfection; effective against bacteria, viruses & spores including Covid-19.Trusted by healthcare professional and regularly used over 20,000 healtchare settings.
- Contact time – Bioguard products are gentle when in contact with skin and meets certain users’ demand, being effective from 30 seconds.
- Tested to EN Gold standards – Independently tested to the EN gold standards ( EN- 14247 & EN- 14348 ) in dirty conditions to reflect real time use. Equipped with dual action, broad spectrum microbiological efficacy making it potent against a wide variety of organisms.
- VOC free, User-friendly – MEA tested and VOC Free for safer environment and reduced health risks making it user-friendly. Products are non – hazardous and non-toxic to ensure they are safe and reliable.
- Multi-Surface – Usable on virtually all surfaces (including fabrics, furnishings and digital screens), so can disinfect whole environments without causing degradation to surfaces. Tested under critical and non-critical conditions to reflect real-life use.
- Dermatologically Tested – Bioguard products are formulated with pH value of 7 that helps protecting the skin and ensuring an effective hand hygiene compliance in healthcare settings.
Formulated with high-performance compound BIOCHEMⓇ, Bioguard products are highly effective. Independently tested under high-soling conditions, Bioguard eliminates harmful viruses, bacteria, and spores with the least contact time.
Bioguard with the power of BiochemⓇ, offers you the latest generation disinfectant cleaner to help you and your staff significantly improve ophthalmology hygiene, helping prevent outbreaks of cluster infections of conjunctivitis that poses as a major challenge for ophthalmologists. .
