Effectiveness of a chlorine dioxide-based coating on environmental contamination in long-term-care facilities

The increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) in acute care hospitals has heightened concerns about the role of long-term-care facilities in amplifying the burden. The role of environmental contamination in MDROs transmission is evident. New technology, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor fumigation, is promising; however, the method does not prevent subsequent microbial recontamination. Chlorine dioxide is an Environmental Protection Agency-registered gaseous sterilant that oxidizes the cytoplasmic membrane and denatures proteins of microorganisms.