There are no studies that prove or disprove the efficacy of washing formulas in killing Clostridium difficile. But new data is emerging and will be shared at the upcoming ARTA Education Conference, March 10, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando. Speaker Kevin McLaren, a microbiologist for Gurtler Industries, will share preliminary data from the study.
Clostridium difficile (klos-TRID-e-um dif-uh-SEEL), known as C. difficile or C. diff, is a spore-forming bacterium. Symptoms of infection range from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. C. diff most commonly affects older adults in healthcare settings and typically occurs after use of antibiotics.
The objective of the study is to determine the efficacy of a standard laundering process on the removal from fabric and kill of C. diff spores. Phase I of the study will review the efficacy of various washing and bleaching chemicals, individually, on the C. diff spores in typical laundering conditions (temperature, time, pH, etc.).
Depending on the results of Phase 1, and if needed, the study will continue with Phase II. This second phase will look at the cumulative effect of laundering process on C. diff by exposing contaminated fabric to sequential treatments of alkali wash, alkali + detergent wash, bleach, rinse, and sour.
