Is there an Escape from the ESKAPE PATHOGENS?
Antimicrobial resistance among both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria has been on the rise in the past few years & become an ever-growing challenge for global healthcare. The most common and life-threatening multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens have been grouped together under the acronym “ESKAPE” which stands for Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp.
All members of ESKAPE pathogens fall under WHO’s (World Health Organization) critical and high priority list of pathogens. [1]
The increased frequency of ESKAPE pathogens in hospital settings and especially post Covid-19 pandemic is extremely worrying, and become even more challenging. Hospital-borne infections have the potential to quickly spread to local and global communities. To control & combat the incidence of infections due to ESKAPE pathogens that are responsible for some of the deadliest hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) - you need highly effective & efficient disinfectants.
ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for majority of nosocomial infections and are capable of “escaping” the biocidal action of antimicrobial agents. They are associated with the highest risk of mortality thereby resulting in increased health care costs. The financial burden of HAI is also considerable, one case of infection caused by an AMR pathogen (e.g., an MRSA blood stream infection) can cost up to 20,000 US dollars. [2]
ESKAPE pathogens may well survive on surfaces for months and can thereby be a continuous source of transmission if no adequate & effective surface disinfection is performed. It is estimated that 80% of infections are spread by touch in hospitals, a number of items and commonly used objects in ICU have high levels of hand touch and can therefore carry harmful bacteria.[3]
When healthcare workers practice excellent hand hygiene & surface disinfection procedures, they are taking the most important step in preventing the transmission of dangerous pathogens to vulnerable patients.
Disinfecting floor & surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, patient bed-rails, desks, phones, shared computers, medical equipment, elevator buttons should be of priority. But with residual anti-microbial activity of low performing disinfectants, it will have no significant impact in preventing infections. To break the chain of contaminated hospital surfaces, selection of the right product is the need of the hour in the health-care settings. It’s important to ensure you get the dilution of disinfectants right as per the manufacturer’s recommendation, else you run the risk of affecting the efficacy of your disinfectant.
Unreliable products can also increase the rate of outbreaks related to the disinfectant-resistant “ESKAPE” pathogens in hospitals.
With this growing concern over the ESKAPE pathogens, it’s vital to use efficient hospital grade disinfectants, that has the capability against high-risk microorganisms, whilst still being user friendly and non-hazardous.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Disinfectant-
- Meet the testing standards for the healthcare sector
- Effective as per the kill claims
- Compatibility with surfaces & other materials
- Dilution & Ease of use
- Dwell Time & pH neutral
- Safety of staff & patients
CDC recommends quaternary compounds as good cleaning agents, effective against most bacteria, enveloped viruses, and fungi. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used broadly in disinfection products and are compatible with most hard surfaces.
With multiple hygiene product options available in the market & brands claiming themselves as eco-friendly & efficient with less contact time in preventing infections- Bioguard’s QAC based ready-to-use disinfectant solutions are safe on both hard surfaces and fabrics, and is VOC tested, hence no smell.
Bioguard has established the development & manufacture of class-leading range of cleaning, hygiene and infection control products. Proven & Tested products have been researched, formulated, and created with high-performance compound biochem® that gives High Level Disinfection in less time. This unique compound quickly eliminates spores, mycobacteria, ESKAPE Pathogens, HIV, HCV, H1N1 etc. Even in a high-risk environment - Bioguard disinfectants will defend you against HAIs & Cross infections. Brilliantly effective, fast acting and ensures safety with high performance unlike other brands.
Bioguard’s superior biocidal abilities quickly eliminates bacteria, fungi & other harmful germs that grow in areas with high moisture content. Molds rapidly multiply on damp surfaces which can be extremely detrimental to human health.
Bioguard’s unique dual action combines cleaning & disinfecting concentrated formula in one quick, hassle-free application & suitable for use on virtually all contact surfaces. An ideal choice to combat viruses, fungi, mycobacteria* and mildew on hard non-porous surfaces found during rainy season. Brilliantly effective against 1000’s of viruses, spores-including ESKAPE pathogens.
Effective in controlling the growth of bacteria & other microorganisms that breed during the monsoon season in India- giving the ultimate protection for high-risk environments, and are safe to use in any setting. Unlike many major product suppliers - Bioguard hygiene products are scientifically proven & independently tested by leading UK & European standards.
