The effects of Far-UVC irradiation on the presence and concentration of ESKAPEE pathogens on hospital surfaces: study protocol for a multi-site, double-blinded randomized controlled trial in La Paz, Bolivia

medRxiv 2026 Preprint Open access

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Authors: Lindsay B. Saber, Melani Rojas, Darcy M. Anderson, D. Ryan Anderson, Holger Claus, Ryan Cronk, Karl G. Linden, Megan E. J. Lott, Lewis J. Radonovich, Bobby Warren, Richard D. Williamson, Richard L. Vincent
+3 more Sergio Gutiérrez-Cortez, Carla Calderon Toledo, Joe M. Brown
DOI: 10.64898/2026.02.04.26345557
Cited by: 2
References: 59

Abstract

Abstract Hospital-acquired infections are a known and growing problem worldwide. Far-UVC is a novel disinfection method that inactivates bacteria with limited penetration into human skin or eyes. A clustered, unmatched, randomized control trial (RCT) will be implemented in two Bolivian hospitals. The intervention arm will receive functioning Far-UVC lamps, whereas the control arm will receive identical lamps that do not emit UV light (shams). Based on baseline data, 40 lamp fixtures will be installed above hospital sinks, 10 per arm per hospital. Environmental samples (air and surface swabs) will be collected and analyzed via culture and sequencing. Simultaneously, air chemical monitoring data will be collected.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Infection Control and Ventilation Infection Control in Healthcare Medical Device Sterilization and Disinfection

Publication details

Journal / source
medRxiv
Publisher
openRxiv
Publication date
5 February 2026
Document type
Preprint