Evaluation of a peracetic-acid-based sink drain disinfectant on the intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre in Belgium.

Background: Sink drains in hospitals are notorious reservoirs of bacteria, hosting both planktonic micro-organisms and biofilms within the siphon. Disinfectants based on peracetic acid are both non-corrosive and effective in eliminating biofilm and planktonic micro-organisms, presenting a potential solution for decontaminating sink drains.

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of Clinell Drain Disinfectant, a peracetic-acid-based disinfectant, in the intensive care unit (ICU) of UZ Brussel.

The sink as a potential source of transmission of carbapenemase-producing in the intensive care unit.

Background: Carbapenemase-producing (CPE) are emerging pathogens that represent a major public health threat. In the University Hospital of Brussels, the incidence of new patients with CPE rose from 1 case in 2010 to 35 cases in 2015. Between January and August 2015, five patients became infected/colonized with CPE during their stay in the same room in the intensive care unit (ICU).