Hepatitis- A High Risk Alert in Healthcare Settings
The global statistics show about 257 million people are infected with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), resulting in 887,000 death per year. [1] Chronic hepatitis virus B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHB) infections are to blame for more than 90% of viral hepatitis-related fatalities and disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed the strategy to end viral hepatitis as a danger to public health by 2030l, which calls for a 90% decrease in new chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) and a 65% decrease in death owing to chronic hepatitis C (CHB). [2]
India is home to 10% to 15% of the world's HBV cases and has 40 million HBV carriers. Of these, 15% to 25% go on to develop cirrhosis and other problems that increase medical expenses and hasten mortality. [3] Cirrhosis and liver cancer are expected to affect 15–25% of HBsAg carriers, and they run the risk of dying young. The frequency of anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in the general population is thought to range between 0.09 to 15%. [4]
In India, unsafe injections can be attributed for the transmission of HBV, HCV and HIV that amounts to 46%, 38% and 12% of cases respectively.
Hepatitis in HealthCare Settings- A Major Catastrophe
Globally, a total of 3 million healthcare professionals suffer an occupational injury each year, and about 200,000 are exposed to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 100,000 to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). [5] Despite the existence of a viable HBV vaccine since the early 1980s and the widespread implementation of universal immunization programs that began in the early 1990s, HBV continues to be a significant cause of illness and death. There is no vaccination to prevent the spread of HCV infection, which most often becomes chronic and is a leading cause of morbidity and death owing to chronic liver disease globally.
Healthcare workers are at a high risk of getting infected with HBV and HCV by mucosal-cutaneous contact (to potentially infectious blood or blood products through the eyes, mouth, or skin) or through percutaneous exposure to contaminated sharp items (needles, blades, etc.). Mucosal-cutaneous exposure accounts for 25% of all occupational exposure, while percutaneous exposure accounts for 75%. [6]
A healthcare professional is more likely to get HBV or HCV through percutaneous exposure (PEIs) i.e. (needlestick, sharp injuries, as well as splashes leading to exposure of the skin or mucosa to blood) than through mucosal-cutaneous exposure. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are around 36 million healthcare professionals globally. HBV vaccination of anti-HBs-negative healthcare workers is recommended in all countries, but numerous healthcare workers remain exposed to infection because they have eluded HBV vaccination.
Substandard Hygiene Products – A Major Setback for Eliminating Hepatitis
Substandard hygiene practices result in major outbreaks of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among healthcare workers. [7]
Hospital environments, including surfaces and medical equipment, can become contaminated with infectious pathogens such as hepatitis B, C and D. Remnants of residual blood and other bodily fluids puts the healthcare personnel at major risk. Residual blood can potentially contribute to hepatitis outbreaks in healthcare settings if proper cleaning and disinfection protocols are not followed. [8]
When blood is not adequately removed from surfaces or equipment, it can serve as a reservoir for bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Older formulations may not effectively disrupt the lipid envelope of the viruses, which is crucial for their inactivation. As a result, relying solely on older formulations such as second, third and fourth generation QACs may not provide adequate protection against these bloodborne viruses.
Many traditional formulations will only disinfect and/or not work in high soliing conditions and will often require pre cleaning of surfaces. These substandard products may also have lower concentrations of active ingredients, inadequate formulations, or may not meet the necessary quality standards.
This can result in reduced efficacy and an increased risk of transmission. Insufficient disinfection can contribute to the development of microbial resistance, where microorganisms become less susceptible to the effects of disinfectants over time.
Terminal Disinfection in Hospitals with Latest Generation QAC’s
Latest generation QAC’s are proven effective in high-soiling environments, helping eliminate cluster outbreaks of infections. Using the next generation of 4th,5th, 6th & 7th QAC’s offers broad spectrum microbiological efficacy, wiping out organisms such as ESKAPE pathogens & Clostridium difficile (spores & bacteria) & Hepatitis. Formulated to use on virtually all surfaces, these next generation QAC’s won’t inflict damage unlike the older generation formulation such as formaldehyde, alcohols and strong acids.
It was discovered that spray-fogging hospital rooms with a quaternary ammonium disinfectant was an efficient way to lower the amount of detectable airborne and surface germs. [9]
Bioguard disinfectants- Advance Formulation to Eliminate Hepatitis
Bioguard has the power of BIOCHEM®, a unique combination of QACs we have developed for high-performance cleaning and disinfection. BIOCHEM is powered by several quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), surfactants, and emollients. This makes Bioguard cleaning and disinfecting solutions powerful, rapid acting, and safe to use.
Here are some USP’s of Bioguard
Latest Formulation-Biochem: Powered with latest generation QAC’s, Bioguard products are virucidal and sporicidal effective.
Manufacturing Excellence: Formulated to produce the highest quality products, Bioguard is trusted by healthcare professionals and regularly used in over 20,000 health care settings.
Proven Efficacy: Independently tested to the latest EN gold standards (EN- 14247 & EN- 14348 (EN1276, AFNOR, EN14476, EN12504, EN13727)) in dirty conditions to reflect real time use.
Powerful & Efficient: Combined cleaning and disinfection capability, effective in eliminating residual bioburden in high-soiling environment.
Dual Action: A unique compound for high performance cleaning & disinfection; effective against bacteria, mycobacterium, and spores, including MRSA, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella spp., Hepatitis virus
Multi-Surface: Usable on virtually all surfaces (including fabrics and furnishings), so can decontaminate whole environments without causing degradation to surfaces.
Safe & Eco-friendly - MEA & VOC tested to ensure they are safe and do not harm users. Also, eco-friendly and non-damaging to the environment.
Greater Dilutions & Cost-Effective: 2 in 1 disinfection removes the need for multiple products, making it cost-effective. More dilutions per litre, which lowers the cost
Bioguard, combined with the power of Biochem, provides a powerful and effective solution for eliminating cluster outbreaks hepatitis in hospital settings. Bioguard’s infection control disinfectants are genuinely effective throughout the whole spectrum of professional healthcare situations, thanks to independent testing and cutting-edge techno
Prevent Cluster outbreaks of Hepatitis. Choose Bioguard
