Ecolab launches Virasept to treat Clostridium difficile spores

Ecolab Inc. today announced the launch of Virasept™, Ecolab's first ready-to-use (no mixing required) hard surface disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be effective against Clostridium difficile spores.

“Developing effective methods to clean rooms contaminated with Clostridium difficile is particularly challenging due to the persistence of the spore in the environment. Virasept is an effective, non-bleach alternative that can help reduce the environmental transmission of challenging microorganisms like Clostridium difficile.”

Clostridium difficile is a highly drug-resistant bacterium that causes diarrhea and severe lower intestinal inflammation, which can be life-threatening. It is very difficult to clean and can remain on hard surfaces for months. Over the past few years the incidence of Clostridium difficile has been on the rise in healthcare settings with studies showing it affecting more than 7,000 patients in hospitals each day with an estimated cost of $18 million to $52 million.

"Environmental services departments continue to face increasingly more virulent and persistent pathogens as they work to keep healthcare facilities clean," said Paul B. Chaffin, vice president, Ecolab Healthcare North America. "Developing effective methods to clean rooms contaminated with Clostridium difficile is particularly challenging due to the persistence of the spore in the environment. Virasept is an effective, non-bleach alternative that can help reduce the environmental transmission of challenging microorganisms like Clostridium difficile." - 2 -

Virasept works within ten minutes of application against Clostridium difficile spores and in four minutes or less for a broad spectrum of other pathogens, including MRSA, VRE, E. coli, HIV, Hepatitis B, Influenza A (H1N1), and Norovirus. Its patented, non-corrosive chemistry is formulated for daily cleaning of high-touch room surfaces such as hand rails, telephones, bathroom fixtures, sinks and tray tables without harming the equipment. Virasept cleans, disinfects and deodorizes in one-step, helping to reduce the need for inventory of multiple products.