The effects of Far-UVC irradiation on the presence and concentration of ESKAPEE pathogens on hospital surfaces: study protocol for a multi-site, double-blinded randomized controlled trial in La Paz, Bolivia

Abstract

Abstract Hospital-acquired infections are a known and growing problem worldwide. Far-UVC is a novel disinfection method that inactivates bacteria with limited penetration into human skin or eyes. A clustered, unmatched, randomized control trial (RCT) will be implemented in two Bolivian hospitals. The intervention arm will receive functioning Far-UVC lamps, whereas the control arm will receive identical lamps that do not emit UV light (shams). Based on baseline data, 40 lamp fixtures will be installed above hospital sinks, 10 per arm per hospital. Environmental samples (air and surface swabs) will be collected and analyzed via culture and sequencing. Simultaneously, air chemical monitoring data will be collected.