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Application of quantitative microbial risk assessment for selection of microbial reduction targets for hard surface disinfectants
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Application of quantitative microbial risk assessment for selection of microbial reduction targets for hard surface disinfectants

Michael O. Ryan, Charles N. Haas, Patrick L. Gurian, Charles P. Gerba, Brian M. Panzl and Joan B. Rose
American journal of infection control, v 42(11), pp 1165-1172
01 Nov 2014
PMID: 25241163

Abstract

Infectious Diseases Life Sciences & Biomedicine Public, Environmental & Occupational Health Science & Technology
Background: This quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) included problem formulation for fomites and hazard identification for 7 microorganisms, including pathogenic Escherichia coli and E coli 0157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, Pseudomonas spp, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus. The goal was to address a risk-based process for choosing the log(10) reduction recommendations, in contrast to the current US Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Method: For each microbe evaluated, the QMRA model included specific dose-response models, occurrence determination of aerobic bacteria and specific organisms on fomites, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and risk reduction. Risk estimates were determined for a simple scenario using a single touch of a contaminated surface and self-inoculation. A comparative analysis of log(10) reductions, as suggested by the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the risks based on this QMRA approach was also undertaken. Results: The literature review and meta-analysis showed that aerobic bacteria were the most commonly studied on fomites, averaging 100 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm(2). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found at a level of 3.3 x 10(-1) CFU/cm(2); methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), at 6.4 x 10(-1) CFU/cm(2). Risk estimates per contact event ranged from a high of 10(-3) for norovirus to a low of 10(-9) for S aureus. Conclusion: This QMRA analysis suggests that a reduction in bacterial numbers on a fomite by 99% (2 logs) most often will reduce the risk of infection from a single contact to less than 1 in 1 million. Copyright (C) 2014 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Infectious Diseases
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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