Examination of preventive effect and safety of chlorine dioxide on nosocomial pneumonia

Nosocomial infections originate in hospitals. An example of this nosocomial pneumonia, which develops in patients around 48 hours after admission. It has a high mortality rate and occurs in a large number of patients. Professor Kaoru Obinata, Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Japan, is exploring a novel technique to combat nosocomial pneumonia and other nosocomial infections. This involves the safe and effective application of chlorine dioxide in medical settings and is particularly novel given that, in high doses, chlorine dioxide is toxic and can cause severe irritation and burns. Obinata and the team are looking at the use of chlorine dioxide gas in conventional induction countermeasures. The researchers believed that, used in combination with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, this method will be highly safe and boast high prevention effect and cost effectiveness. The team has found that chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is effective against various bacteria, viruses and fungi at a lower concentration than sodium hypochlorite solution and that that low-concentration of chlorine dioxide gas is effective against airborne bacteria and viruses, as well as adherent bacteria and viruses. Using mouse models, they have shown it to be effective against aerosol infection for the influenza virus and against influenza-like illness in humans. Next, the researchers will find a means of ensuring that the concentration of chlorine dioxide can be kept to safe and constant levels to ensure the effects are beneficial and not harmful.