Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) are the most common cause of acquired diseases in hospitalized patients. Effective surface disinfection, focused on the inactivation of the spores of this pathogen, is a decisive factor in reducing the number of nosocomial cases of CDI infections. An efficient disinfection procedure is the result of both the properties of the biocidal agent used and the technology of its implementation as well as a reliable, experimental methodology for assessing the activity of the biocidal active substance based on laboratory models that adequately represent real clinical conditions. This study reviews the state of knowledge regarding the properties and biochemical basis of the action mechanisms of sporicidal substances, with emphasis on chlorine dioxide (ClO₂). Among the analyzed biocides, in addition to ClO₂, active chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and glutaraldehyde were characterized. Due to the relatively high sporicidal effectiveness and effective control of bacterial biofilm, as well as safety in a health and environmental context, the use of ClO₂ is an attractive alternative in the control of nosocomial infections of CD etiology. In terms of the methods of assessing the biocidal effectiveness, suspension and carrier standards are discussed.

In addition to looking for effective drugs and a vaccine, which are necessary to save and protect human health, it is also important to limit, or at least to slow, the spread of coronavirus. One important element in this action is the use of individual protective devices such as filtering facepiece masks. Currently, masks that use a mechanical filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, are often used. In some countries that do not have a well-developed healthcare system or in exceptional situations, there is a real and pressing need to restore filters for reuse. This article presents technical details for a very simple device for sterilization, including of HEPA polymer filters. The results of biological and microscopic tests confirming the effectiveness of the sterilization performed in the device are presented. The compact and portable design of the device also allows its use to disinfect other small surfaces, for example a small fragment of a floor, table, or bed.

W artykule zaprezentowano aktualne doniesienia literaturowe dotyczące badań nad transmisją zakażeń wirusami drogą powietrzną oraz ich inaktywacją z wykorzystaniem ditlenku chloru w postaci gazowej. Wyniki omówionych badań wskazują, iż dezynfekcja powietrza gazowym ditlenkiem chloru, w stężeniach nieprzekraczających dopuszczalnych norm stężeń ClO2, tj. 0,3 ppmv dla ekspozycji 8-godzinnej w miejscu pracy oraz 0,9 ppmv w warunkach narażenia przez okres 15 minut, skutecznie niszczy wirusy przenoszone drogą powietrzną, w tym również SARS-CoV-2. W opracowaniu zwrócono uwagę na fizyczne aspekty transmisji wirusa drogą powietrzną poprzez tworzenie i opóźnioną sedymentację bioaerozolu jąder kropelkowych, jak również mechanizm destrukcji białek otoczki wirusowej. Przedstawiono dane dotyczące skutecznej dezynfekcji powierzchni za pomocą gazowego ditlenku chloru.