New hygiene control system help tackle Norovirus

Clinical study shows antimicrobial spray reduces microbial load in fabrics

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. May 13, 2016

The recent outbreak of Norovirus afflicting 252 passengers aboard the cruise ship Balmoral shows just how swiftly dangerous pathogens can spread in enclosed public area with significant potential for a large number of casualties.

Addmaster (UK) Ltd has developed a new hygiene control system, which is proven to significantly reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses and help make this type of serious outbreak much less likely.

Microorganisms make up the natural environment all around us. Many of these don't cause us harm, however at times pathogens can be present which may cause illness.

Norovirus, for example, is the biggest cause of infectious gastrointestinal illness in England, Scotland and Wales. There are currently 14,000 reported cases annually but it is thought to be responsible for at least three million illnesses a year. It can infect in very low doses and unless strict controls are introduced for prevention or containment it can spread swiftly in enclosed public areas, including cruise ships, hotels, restaurants or in community health and social care settings.

Another dangerous pathogen from the environment around us is Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This type of bacteria is resistant to a number of widely used antibiotics and is therefore more difficult to treat than other bacterial infections.

MRSA are usually spread through contact with someone who has the bacteria on their skin. However, the bacteria can also be spread through contact with contaminated textiles such as towels, sheets, clothes and dressings, or through hard surfaces such as door handles, floors and bed frames.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an 'opportunistic' strain of bacteria capable of causing serious infection when our normal defences are weakened. Like MRSA, it has been increasingly recognised for its ability to cause significant healthcare-associated outbreaks, particularly since the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Preventing and containing pathogens in the environment, both viral and bacterial, is beneficial for all of us. It can be devastating if an illness is caused as a result of a holiday or a stay in hospital.

Bourne Leisure comprises the brands Warner, Butlins and Haven and is one of the largest providers of holidays at parks, resorts and hotels across the UK. The Group hosts thousands of guests on their premises every day, so viral and bacterial infections present a serious financial and moral risk to the business.

Gary Taylor, Regional Health and Safety Manager at Bourne Leisure, worked with Addmaster to investigate the benefit of Hygiene Control fabric spray containing Biomaster antimicrobial technology. This technology can be used on soft furnishings and fabrics to help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.

Tests were carried out to determine the benefit of Biomaster fabric spray on treated material. Samples were sent to an independent laboratory and tested for efficacy against different bacteria. Reductions of bacterial numbers using ISO 20743 were seen against MRSA, Salmonella, Campylobacter, E.coli and VRE.

Additional testing was carried out to look at the benefit of the spray in the environment. This independent testing involved spraying seating in a high usage public area of Alvaston Hall, Nantwich.

The swab results demonstrated the benefit of the spray at reducing the total number of bacteria present.

Bourne Leisure also submitted treated fabric samples to the Health and Safety laboratory to look at viral activity. Analysis identified that the fabric spray was effective at reducing the viability of Norovirus applied to them over 0, 5, 30 and 60 minutes. The outcome was a virucidal effect on the test virus by 93% in half an hour and 99% within an hour.

The evidence demonstrated the efficacy of Biomaster fabric spray in the reduction of microbial load in fabrics, both bacterial and viral, reducing risk to all types of soft furnishings and fabrics including chairs, curtains and carpets.

Biomaster fabric spray incorporates silver-ion technology which, when challenged by the presence of bacteria or viruses, inhibits their survival. Ionic silver is a safe, naturally occurring antimicrobial and offers durable protection.

An additional benefit of the Biomaster technology is its ability to reduce odour-forming bacteria. Laboratory tests show that fabrics treated with silver-ion technology produce fewer malodours and therefore provide a fresher environment. Addmaster marketing manager Karl Shaw says: “A clean environment benefits both the business and customers in areas where good hygiene levels are crucial.”

Biomaster Hygiene Control Fabric Spray is available in a 750ml spray dispenser and 20kgs container. Biomaster Hygiene Control is also available as a laundry wash. For more information contact: Bunzl Catering Supplies, www.bunzlcatering.co.uk.