About C. Diff
Clostridioides difficile (known as C. diff) is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis (inflammation of the colon) and kills many people worldwide.
In the US alone, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are about 500,000 illnesses with C.diff. every year. Unfortunately, C.diff is very hard to treat, and many individuals get C.diff reinfection in the next months after the first episode. Even worse, about 1 in 11 people age 65 or older die of C-diff infection within one month of diagnosis.
Who Is At Risk Of C.diff Infection?
C. diff bacteria is commonly found in the environment, but people on antibiotics are 7- 10 times more likely to get C. diff while on the drugs and during the month after. Those in hospitals, the elderly, those with the weak immune system, and those previously infected or exposed to this bacterium are at higher risk. [1], [2]
Symptoms of C.diff infection typically develop within a few days after starting to take an antibiotic. Affected individuals experience diarrhea with watery stools for several days, fever, stomach pain, nausea and lack of appetite might develop within a few days after you begin taking antibiotics.
Preventing C Diff Can Save Lives
Prevention is the key to avoid infections and death from C.diff. You need to wash your hands with soap and water, use the separate washroom if you develop diarrhea and take showers regularly. Since C.diff spreads through contaminated surfaces and is highly contagious. That’s why effective disinfectants are very important to control the spread. Multiple chemical disinfectants are being employed to combat C diff, and they do help- to a certain degree. However, this bacterium- especially the spores are very hard to kill. Hospitals and other facilities still struggle to control this deadly infection.
Does Ultraviolet Light Sanitizer Kill C. Diff?
According to research studies, yes. Not any UV light, but the UVC spectrum, which has strong germicidal effects. A special, advanced form of UV disinfection: pulsed xenon light seems to be particularly effective, according to a review of multiple studies from Beker’s hospital in the US. Researchers found a 22% reduced incidence of C diff infections during the UV disinfectant period compared with the period of time when UV devices were not used. Intensive care units experienced a 70% reduction rate, despite the fact that c diff infections were on the rise in the community during that time. [3]
Besides hospitals, who else could benefit from UV disinfection? The food industry, because this bacterium is found in food products- especially processed meats. Furthermore, C. diff is also found in air and water- thus pulsed xenon light could be used for air and water disinfection.
Fast PXL Is Deadly To C. diff
Fast PXL uses pulsed xenon light, the very same technology that has been used in hospitals. IZAK Scientific team tested Fast PXL specifically for C.diff, using a UV dosimeter.
Watch the video and see how fast and effective really is! In one minute, the lethal dose for this very hard to kill bacteria was achieved!
The results are pretty straightforward. The dosimeter is exposed to the UVC light. The center of UVC dosimeter changes from yellow to pink when the level of energy lethal to C.diff has been delivered.
Fast PXL not only has the potential to save lives, but also save money. Infections are costly, and a significant burden on the healthcare system. Employees need to take time off work. Adding Fast PXL to the common hygiene and disinfection protocols can help any company reduce the spread of this infection- and many others. Pulsed xenon light is effective UV light disinfection, working against a wide range of bacteria and viruses.
Safety notes: Fast PXL should be used on surfaces or air disinfection. Avoid skin or eye exposure to this light. Contact IZAK Scientific today to learn how your company can benefit from UV light disinfection with Fast PXL.
1.https://www.cdc.gov/cdiff/what-is.html
2.https://www.cdc.gov/cdiff/risk.html
3.https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/how-uv-disinfection-affects-c-diff-3-study-findings.html
