Media Release                                                                                     21 September, 2009

Groundbreaking Chemistry Developed to Help Tackle World’s Most Virulent HAI Outbreaks

Researchers have developed a new cleaning chemistry which kills the broadest spectrum of organisms responsible for leading Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs), including the latest hospital superbug Clostridium difficile spores, in 5 minutes or less.

The group from Clean Earth Technologies in Earth City, Missouri USA found that a combination of dilute hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid can deliver kill times twice as fast as bleach.  While effective against over 30 different organisms, testing data shows that the formulation can eradicate Clostridium difficile spores within five minutes and the Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria within 30 seconds.  These organisms, which cause significant patient morbidity and mortality, can survive on environmental surfaces for up to five months*.

Leading supplier of healthcare and industrial products, Kimberly Clark Professional, is set to make this new chemistry available in a pre-saturated wiper format under the KIMTECH* brand from August 2009.  The product will be the first pre-saturated disinfecting wipe registered by the TGA capable of killing Clostridium difficile spores.

According to Dr William Jarvis, formerly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HAIs are a global problem of crisis proportions and no country is immune.

“At any given time, over 1.4 million people worldwide are suffering from infections acquired in a healthcare setting** and Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease (CDAD) remains the single most frequent cause of healthcare associated gastrointestinal disease.  International studies show that patients with HAIs spend an extra 1-3 weeks in hospital, adding significantly to public healthcare costs,” he explained.

“The recent emergence of a new, highly virulent strain of Clostridium difficile in North America and Europe has caused extensive morbidity and mortality. To prevent a major outbreak, we need to be prepared, and with Clostridium difficile, as with all leading HAI pathogens, the key is to break the chain of transmission. That means meticulous environmental cleaning when used in conjunction with hand hygiene and appropriate application of barrier precautions,” he explained. 

The pre-moistened KIMTECH* One-Step Germicidal Wipe will dispense as individual sheets so it is ready to use.  Compared to traditional cleaning methods, such as disinfectant sprays and bucket systems, there will be no room for dilution error, no risk of spills and reduced inhalation-related issues.  Most importantly, the single-use wipes mean less cross-contamination between rooms and surfaces. 

Inherently more powerful than bleach, quaternary amines, and alcohol, this groundbreaking chemistry is non-corrosive, so it is not damaging to most surfaces.  It is also safer for the patient environment given that it decomposes into water, oxygen and vinegar.

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