Pictured: Sean Derrig, Scientific Director of Chemex
International
Trials of a revolutionary, natural and cheap alternative to
traditional hygiene practices is likely to spawn a completely new
approach to the war against hospital superbugs.
The startling results show that harmful bacteria can be
completely eliminated by using 'friendly' bacteria in a simple
cleaning fluid - rather than toxic chemicals.
The trials, carried out by UK-based hygiene specialists Chemex
International, were unveiled today at a conference of over 600
members of the Infection Protection Society in Bournemouth.
Sean Derrig, Scientific Director of Chemex International, who
presented the results at the Conference said:
"Since the days of Lister and Florence Nightingale science has
put a lot of effort into killing bacteria. This approach certainly
has its place but we have now proved that nature's methods can be
more effective. But it does turn traditional wisdom on its head
somewhat.
"Our research has proven that employing 'friendly' bacteria in a
cleaning product rather than harsh chemicals drove out the bacteria
that can be harmful to humans present at the start of the trial.
The 'bad' bugs were completely eradicated - and the good ones did a
very good job of eating dirt and grime as well.
"It's fighting fire with fire. The friendly bacteria chase out
germs and form a protective biofilm that is tougher than Teflon and
keeps the bad bacteria away permanently. The same principle is used
in probiotic drinks that repopulate the gut with 'good' bacteria.
It's called competitive exclusion.
"In reality we are surrounded by bacteria, most of which are
totally harmless or positively beneficial - without them we
wouldn't have bread, cheese or even wine and beer - all of which
are made by bacteria.
"Problem bacteria can be concealed in minor cracks and blemishes
in buildings and are very difficult to completely remove without
costly shutdowns and deep cleans. And they soon return.
"This is a completely new approach to dealing with the pathogens
that cause hospital-acquired infections. It is also simple, cheap
and highly effective.
"We have trialled this approach with a very forward-thinking NHS
Trust and we saw more than just a visible improvement in
cleanliness; scientific tests clearly demonstrated that harmful
bacteria had been totally eliminated.
"The 'friendly' bacteria are abundant in nature, the strain we
use feeds on dirt and produces natural antibiotics which attack and
kill the harmful bacteria. It really is using nature's technology
to clean wards and get rid of pathogens once and for all.
Chemex International has previously helped NHS Trusts and
private healthcare across the UK in the battle against killer
bugs.
Its high-level biocides are powerful enough to kill 'difficult'
organisms such as Clostridium difficile spores and Norovirus
against which traditional chemicals are ineffective and are in use
in multiple NHS Trusts and other situations where scrupulous
hygiene is paramount.