WDGMC
Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre announced novel study results indicating for the first time that Ultraviolet (UV) room decontamination technology paired with manual cleaning protocols decreased the transmission of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) by 23% in a hospital setting. The study results have been published in the March 2022 issue of The Journal of Hospital Infection.
The team of researchers at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), the first private teaching hospital in South Africa, demonstrated the reduction in CRE transmission following a 26-month study and the sustained use of a UV room decontamination device (UVDI-360 Room Sanitizer, provided by US-based manufacturer UVDI and eHealthGroup Infection Control) as an adjunct to standard cleaning, including the use of bleach and quaternary ammonium disinfectants, across the 210-bed hospital. The intervention included broad UV room decontamination across five high-risk patient units (including critical care, oncology, transplant and gastrointestinal surgery rooms) during a 12-month period following a 12-month baseline and two-month, wash-in period.
“Our team’s study indicated that enhanced environmental hygiene utilizing UV room decontamination technology in the hospital can help prevent the transmission of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales , an especially challenging set of multidrug-resistant organisms,” stated lead investigator Dr. Warren Lowman, Clinical Microbiologist & Infection Prevention and Control Specialist, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.
The UV room decontamination device was implemented in three usage scenarios: terminal cleaning following patient discharge, terminal cleaning following patient transfer and, in a novel treatment, occupied rooms where the patient had an existing MDRO infection and was moved during device use. For each scenario, the UV device was operated with five-minute treatment cycles, the number of which varied per room setting and size.
CRE refers to a broader set of microorganisms that demonstrate resistance to at least one of the Carbapenem antibiotics.1 Recent published surveillance studies in South Africa have indicated a CRE infection crude mortality rate of nearly 40%.2
“This research underlines WDGMC’s steadfast commitment to patient and staff safety through the use of novel infection prevention protocols,” said Dr. Sue Tager, Chief Executive Officer, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. “In the ongoing fight to prevent the transmission of superbugs, both in and beyond Africa, these results provide hope and concrete proof that effective solutions exist.”
About Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre
Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC) is the first and only private teaching hospital in South Africa. It was established in 2002 when the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) bought the Kenridge Hospital with a founding donation from the Donald Gordon Foundation. The institution was then renamed the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. The 210-bed facility’s main specialties are transplant surgery, oncology (paediatric and adult), gastroenterology (medical and surgical), geriatric medicine, interventional radiology ophthalmology, ear-nose and throat, urology, nephrology, cardiology, women’s health and orthopaedics.
___________
1
https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cre/technical-info.html
2
Perovic O, Ismail H, Quan V, Bamford C, Nana T, Chibabhai V, Bhola P, Ramjathan P, Swe Swe-Han K, Wadula J, Whitelaw A, Smith M, Mbelle N, Singh-Moodley A; for GERMS-SA. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in patients with bacteraemia at tertiary hospitals in South Africa, 2015 to 2018. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2020 Jul;39(7):1287-1294. doi: 10.1007/s10096-020-03845-4. Epub 2020 Mar 2. PMID: 32124106.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220404006042/en/
Link:
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
30 Peer-Reviewed Studies Highlight Statistically Significant Health Benefits of Almased16.7.2025 09:15:00 CEST | Press release
Two recent, peer-reviewed clinical studies have found that Almased, a high-protein, low-glycemic meal replacement, delivers significant health benefits ranging from weight loss and improved metabolic health to anti-aging effects and enhanced quality of life. Both reviews synthesize 30 peer-reviewed clinical studies across three decades of scientific research, confirming that Almased is effective and safe for weight reduction, preservation of lean muscle mass, and cardiovascular health. The 2025 review in the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research highlighted Almased’s efficacy and safety for wide groups of people including individuals seeking weight loss, those with metabolic syndrome or fatty liver, older adults needing to preserve muscle mass, and athletes or healthy-weight individuals who require additional high-quality protein. This review also discusses how Almased’s patented fermentation process produces over 80 bioactive peptides, including 2 times the average daily i
The Future of Connectivity Starts Here: Network X Returns to Paris October 14 - 1616.7.2025 09:00:00 CEST | Press release
Show Reconvenes at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles with Global Representation of Industry Leaders and Telco Experts Network X 2025 - the only event that brings the fixed and mobile markets together - returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles October 14 - 16. Built for telecom's top players, this annual show drives business model innovation and monetisation of next-generation fixed, mobile, satellite and transport networks through AI and cloud. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250716595903/en/ Speaker on Headliners Stage at Network X 2024 New to Network X in 2025 are specialty events designed to deliver expert insights on trending topics including Data Center World and two Expo Stages for Fixed-Line and Mobile. More than 5,500 telco network infrastructure professionals will gather alongside 1,500 telcos to learn from six program tracks highlighting the latest advancements in Fibre, Wi-Fi Networks and Services, IP
Skechers AERO Series Opens New Chapter of Technical Running Innovation16.7.2025 09:00:00 CEST | Press release
New Collection Features an Evolution in Design that Cuts Through the Wind for That Aerodynamic Feel on Every Run Skechers Performance opens a new chapter of running innovation with the arrival of the Skechers AERO series. Named for the aerodynamic feel of the design, Skechers AERO represents the latest evolution of technical running shoes from the brand. The collection is engineered to deliver an exhilarating blend of speed, style and comfort to help runners cut through the wind and push beyond their personal bests while logging miles. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250716754749/en/ Introducing the Skechers AERO Series of technical running shoes: Skechers AERO Burst, Skechers AERO Spark, and Skechers AERO Tempo (L-R). “Recently launched in North America and Asia, the AERO Series leverages innovative technologies to elevate our signature comfort that’s now available to runners in Europe,” said Ben Stewart, Vic
4Moving Biotech Enrolls First Patient in Phase 2a Trial of 4P004, a Potential First-in-Class GLP-1 Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis16.7.2025 07:00:00 CEST | Press release
- First patient enrolled in INFLAM MOTION, a global randomized Phase 2a trial including 129 knee osteoarthritis patients - 4P004 to be evaluated over 3 months for dual efficacy: symptom relief and synovial health improvement via contrast-enhanced MRI - Topline results expected in the second half of 2026 4Moving Biotech (4MB), a spin-off of 4P-Pharma dedicated to developing first-in-class treatments that modify the natural course of knee osteoarthritis (OA), today announced that the first patient has been enrolled in Phase 2a clinical trial, INFLAM MOTION. The study will evaluate 4P004, an intra-articular GLP-1 analog, as a potential first-in-class therapeutic candidate for knee osteoarthritis. INFLAM MOTION is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a trial planned to be conducted across Europe, the United States, and Canada. A total of 129 patients worldwide diagnosed with knee OA will be enrolled to evaluate, for the first time in humans, the efficacy of 4P
Belkin Achieves Qi2.2 Certification for Its Upcoming Products, Unlocking the Future of 25W Wireless Charging15.7.2025 19:06:00 CEST | Press release
With Qi2.2 certification, Belkin reinforces its commitment to quality, safety, and performance for the next generation of wireless charging Belkin, a leading consumer electronics brand for over 40 years, today announced it has received official Qi2.2 certification from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for its upcoming products. As one of the first accessory brands to deliver Qi2.2-certified devices, Belkin is helping bring the next generation of wireless charging to market – enabling faster wireless charging speeds, broader compatibility, and improved performance for consumers. Belkin’s close partnership with the WPC since 2015 has been instrumental in bringing these advancements to consumers. As an early adopter and long-time contributor to WPC standards, Belkin was selected as one of a small group of trusted manufacturers to test and certify Qi2.2 products ahead of the broader industry rollout. All Belkin products undergo rigorous safety, quality, and performance testing. The comp
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom