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 eliminated using ‘friendly’ bacteria in a simple cleaning fluid rather than by toxic chemicals. The trials, carried out by UK-based hygiene specialist Chemex International, were unveiled recently at a conference of over 600 members of the Infection Protection Society in Bournemouth.
Alternative wisdom
Sean Derrig, Chemex International’s scientific director, 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 proved that employing ‘friendly’ bacteria in a cleaning product rather than harsh chemicals drove out the bacteria that can be harmful to humans. The ‘bad’ bacteria were completely eradicated, and the friendly ones did a very good job of removing 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 intestine with ‘good’ bacteria – a process termed 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 remove completely 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 eliminated.
“Friendly bacteria are abundant in nature, and the strain Chemex used feeds on dirt and produces natural antibiotics that attack and kill the harmful bacteria. It really is using nature’s technology to clean wards and remove pathogens.”
Chemex International has previously helped NHS trusts and private healthcare across the UK. Its high-level biocides are powerful enough to kill ‘difficult’ organisms such as Clostridium difficile spores and norovirus.
Chemex International
Chemex International is Europe’s leading franchised distributor of specialist cleaning and hygiene products. Established over 25 years ago, it has more than 70 branches across the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and North America. It supplies hygiene and infection control products and programmes to ambulance trusts, government departments, blue-chip corporations and Michelin-starred restaurants. Its head office is in Birmingham, England.
www.chemexuk.com