C.diff breakthrough 'could save thousands'
February 1st 2008 Chemex International claims thousands of lives could be saved in Britain’s hospitals through its AntiBak product, launched last month.The company says it can wipe out Clostridium difficile – thought to be responsible for killing more than 4,000 hospital patients a year.
The company claims it will eradicate spores on contact and is nearly 1,000 times more effective than any disinfectants currently available – while remaining non toxic, biodegradeable and safe to use.
Under development for more than three years,AntiBak has passed international standards confirming its ability to kill some of the world’s most dangerous bacteria and viruses including: C.diff spores; Norovirus; MRSA; Avian Flu H5N1; Polio; SARS; Hepatitis C and HIV.
More than 55,000 cases involving C. diff were reported in UK hospitals last year. In 2005 3,800 people died from C. diff according to the Office for National Statistics which also reported the number of deaths had quadrupled in six years. Chemex chief executive Sean Derrig (pictured) says it could strike a decisive blow in the battle against HAIs.
“C. diff poses such a huge threat because it produces spores which are notoriously difficult to kill.These spores are what makes C. diff spread so easily and normal cleaning chemicals have no effect on them.The challenge has been to find a product that’s safe to use and kills the spores.
“Now this has been achieved with AntiBak – a powder or tablet diluted in water which is simply sprayed onto surfaces and wiped off, killing C.diff and MRSA as well as a host of other dangerous bacteria and viruses such as Norovirus and Avian Flu.
“When used to clean wards or operating theatres it does not require the lengthy shutdowns or specialist techniques which are often associated with traditional ‘deep cleans’.
“It is also remarkably costeffective; it costs less than the disinfectant sprays that you might find in your local supermarket.” t: 0121 525 4040 for details More articles from Chemex International Ltd: | 
