21/11/2024
Combating nosocomial Infections in veterinary settings with EOLIS Air Manager
In veterinary facilities, just like in human hospitals, nosocomial infections pose a significant health challenge. A North American study estimated nosocomial infection rates of 16% in dogs and 12% in cats in veterinary intensive care units, which can serve as indicative figures in the absence of specific French data. Often underestimated, these infections can lead to serious consequences for animal health and caregivers alike, not to mention the economic costs associated with their management. Indeed, nosocomial infections can worsen the morbidity of hospitalized animals, and in the most severe cases, they may lead to euthanasia decisions when treatment becomes impossible. Given this reality, the importance of effective air and surface quality control is paramount in reducing the risk of transmission of these infections. In addition to good hand hygiene practices and isolating infected animals, innovative solutions like EOLIS Air Manager, a high-performance professional air purifier, actively contribute to combating these diseases by purifying the air and surfaces, thereby reducing transmission risks.
Nosocomial infections in veterinary settings: an underestimated risk
Nosocomial infections are common in veterinary settings and are caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and sometimes even parasites. In veterinary environments, the most common infections include urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and respiratory infections. These can be exogenous, arising from cross-contamination between animals or through the environment, or endogenous, where microbes naturally present in the animal exploit weaknesses in its immune system. Among the most common microorganisms are Staphylococcus aureus, enterobacteria, and viruses such as adenoviruses and feline calicivirus.
It is important to note that some nosocomial pathogens, such as multi-resistant bacteria like Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, can persist in the clinical environment and resist conventional treatments, complicating their eradication.
Below is a table presenting some of the main types of nosocomial infections in veterinary settings and their characteristics:
Table 1: Frequency of Post-Operative Infections Based on the type of surgery performed (Brown et al. 1997; Johnson and Murtaugh, 1997a; 1997b; Vasseur et al. 1997; Brown, 2012). Modified from Léoni (2014).
These infections are often transmitted through contaminated air or surfaces, particularly during invasive procedures like surgeries. Nosocomial infections can lead to a significant prolongation of recovery time for animals, often necessitating additional antibiotic treatments or prolonged intensive care. They can have lasting impacts on patient health while generating additional costs for veterinary facilities.
Economic costs of infection management
The economic costs associated with managing nosocomial infections in veterinary facilities can be considerable, impacting not only clinic budgets but also costs borne by pet owners. Containing an infection outbreak may require substantial expenditures to cover the isolation of infected patients, the treatment of affected cases, and intensified disinfection procedures for premises and equipment. For example, in France, an outbreak caused by feline calicivirus, a particularly resilient virus in the environment, resulted in expenses of approximately €50,000 in a veterinary hospital, including cleaning costs, protective equipment for staff, and temporary closure of certain services2.
These costs are also exacerbated by service interruptions. In the case of a severe nosocomial infection, a clinic may be forced to suspend certain activities, leading to significant revenue loss. The prolonged treatments required for affected animals also increase costs for medications, hospitalization, and intensive care. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics and specific treatments for multi-resistant infections incurs additional expenses, especially when the involved bacteria do not respond to first-line antibiotics. (Le Point Vétérinaire.fr)
Lastly, the long-term consequences on the facility’s reputation should not be overlooked. A clinic perceived to have infection management issues may lose the trust of pet owners, resulting in decreased footfall and, consequently, a decline in future revenue. These factors clearly illustrate that beyond immediate care, nosocomial infections have a profound financial impact, justifying investment in preventive solutions such as air purification systems, rigorous cleaning protocols, and continuous staff training.
Environmental contamination, whether through airborne particles or inadequately disinfected surfaces, plays a crucial role in the spread of these pathogens. This is why it is essential to implement effective devices to purify not only the air but also the surfaces in veterinary clinics.
Best practices to limit the spread of nosocomial diseases in veterinary clinics
Preventing nosocomial infections in veterinary facilities relies on a set of rigorously applied best practices at every stage of care, from the reception of animals to surgical procedures. Here are some essential recommendations for managing these risks:
- Hand hygiene: Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the transmission of pathogens. Studies indicate that hand contamination can occur even with brief contact with contaminated surfaces, making the systematic use of hand sanitizers before and after each animal handling essential. Dispensers should be installed in all critical areas such as consultation and operating rooms.
- Isolation of infected animals: Isolating animals with infectious diseases is a key measure to limit the spread of pathogens within the clinic. Suspected or confirmed animals carrying infectious agents should be separated in dedicated areas, ideally with distinct access routes to avoid cross-flows with other patients and staff. This measure effectively controls the spread of multi-resistant bacteria or persistent viruses like feline calicivirus, which can remain infectious on surfaces for several days.
- Management of circulation flows: The organization of flows within the veterinary facility plays a vital role in preventing cross-contamination. Flows of “clean” (non-infected) and “dirty” (suspected or infected) animals must be strictly separated. This can be achieved spatially, with distinct pathways, or temporally, by scheduling the care of infected animals after those of others. Special attention must be paid to critical areas like operating theatres, where access should be limited to strictly necessary personnel to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens.
- Rigorous disinfection of surfaces and equipment: Surfaces in contact with animals must be regularly disinfected using appropriate detergent-disinfectant products. Cleaning should be conducted from the cleanest to the dirtiest to avoid disseminating microorganisms. Equipment used for invasive procedures, such as catheters or surgical instruments, must also undergo strict disinfection after each use.
- Control of air and surface quality: Managing air quality in sensitive areas such as operating theatres, kennels, or endoscopy rooms can reduce the risk of airborne infections. Air purification systems like EOLIS Air Manager help limit the presence of infectious particles in the air while also sanitising surfaces. Regular checks of critical points, such as high-contact surfaces and medical equipment, can also help identify and eliminate sources of contamination before they spread.
These best practices form the foundation of an effective biosecurity strategy aimed at protecting both treated animals, staff, and other patients from nosocomial infections.
Table 2: example of assessment method for the risk level of biocontamination in a veterinary facility. for each type of risk, a score of 0.5 to 3 is assigned based on the level of risk in the room. the overall risk of biocontamination is evaluated by multiplying the scores of the different types of risk (according to keck et al. 2017). risk levels are determined as follows: level 1 (white): score <1; level 2 (orange): score 1-3; level 3 (red): score ≥3.
EOLIS Air Manager: a comprehensive solution for air and surface sanitisation
Thanks to the Deep Clean function, the EOLIS Air Manager allows for quick and thorough cleaning of surfaces and textiles without the use of chemicals. This process is not only environmentally friendly but also ensures the safe reintegration of premises after just one hour of treatment. This makes it an ideal solution for analytical or research laboratories, healthcare facilities, veterinary clinics, and any environments requiring regular sanitisation.
To meet the specific needs of veterinary practices and clinics, NatéoSanté has designed the EOLIS Air Manager, a high-performance professional air purifier capable of sanitising both ambient air and surfaces in complex environments thanks to its exclusive Deep Clean function.
Reducing airborne risks
EOLIS Air Manager reduces the amount of airborne contaminating particles through its unique combination of technologies:
- A biocidal pre-filter,
- A medical-grade HEPA H13 filter certified EN1822-4,
- OSRAM PURITEC® HNS® germicidal UV-C lamps.
These technologies continuously eliminate pathogenic microorganisms present in the air, thereby reducing the risk of airborne infections. This is particularly crucial in operating rooms and areas where sick and contagious animals are isolated, limiting the spread of nosocomial diseases.
Comprehensive surface sanitisation with Deep Clean function
In addition to purifying the air, the patented Deep Clean function of the EOLIS Air Manager, based on active oxygen, also rapidly and effectively sanitises surfaces. Tested according to the NF EN 17272: 2020 standard by the independent laboratory Eurofins, this technology reduces up to 99% of viruses on surfaces and up to 90% of bacteria after just one hour of treatment in a 50 m³ room without human or animal presence.
This function is particularly useful in veterinary clinics, where viruses like mouse norovirus and type 2 adenovirus, responsible for gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, can survive for extended periods on contaminated surfaces. Active oxygen treatment cleans not only visible surfaces but also hard-to-reach areas and textiles, without the use of harsh chemicals. After just one hour, the room is safe to re-enter.
A solution tailored to veterinary needs
Using air treatment devices like the EOLIS Air Manager fits seamlessly into the biosecurity measures recommended for veterinary facilities. Indeed, as highlighted in studies on controlling nosocomial infections, managing air and surfaces is essential for breaking the transmission chain. EOLIS Air Manager thus offers a comprehensive solution to improve the quality of the veterinary environment, ensuring safety for both animals and the care teams.
Conclusion: NatéoSanté, partner in veterinary biosecurity
By offering cutting-edge technologies such as EOLIS Air Manager, NatéoSanté is committed to supporting veterinary clinics in their fight against nosocomial infections. Through continuous air purification and effective surface sanitisation with the Deep Clean function, EOLIS Air Manager provides comprehensive protection and contributes to maintaining a healthy and secure environment for both animals and veterinary health professionals.
Sources :
- Ruple-Czerniak A, Aceto HW, Bender JB, Paradis MR, Shaw SP, Van Metre DC, Weese JS, Wilson DA, Wilson JH, Morley PS. Using syndromic surveillance to estimate baseline rates for healthcare-associated infections in critical care units of small animal referral hospitals. J Vet Intern Med. 2013; 27: 1392-9.
- Keck N. et Bernard F., Prévention des infections nosocomiales chez les animaux de compagnie par la biosécurité dans les établissements de soins vétérinaires, Bull. Acad. Vét. France — 2017 – Tome 170 – N°2
