Novel methods for disinfection of prion-contaminated medical devices

Background The unique resistance of prions to classic methods of decontamination, and evidence that prion diseases can be transmitted iatrogenically by medical devices pose a serious infection control challenge to healthcare facilities. In view of the widespread tissue distribution of the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease agent in human beings, new practicable decontamination procedures are urgently needed. Methods We adapted an in-vivo method using stainless steel wires contaminated with prions to the hamster-adapted scrapie strain 263K. A new in-vitro protocol of surface contamination compatible with subsequent biochemical detection of PrPres (protease-resistant form of the prion protein) from the treated surface was developed to explore the mechanisms of action of methods of decontamination under test. These models were used to investigate the effectiveness of innovative physical and chemical methods of prion inactivation. Findings Standard chemical decontamination methods (NaOH IN, NaOCl 20 000 ppm) and autoclaving in water at 134degreesC reduced infectivity by >5.6 log(10) lethal doses; autoclaving without immersion was somewhat less effective (4-4.5 log reduction). Three milder treatments, including a phenolic disinfectant, an alkaline cleaner, and the combination of an enzymatic cleaner and vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) were also effective. VHP alone, which can be compatible with electronic components, achieved an approximately 4.5 log reduction in infectivity (equivalent to autoclaving without water immersion). Interpretation New decontamination procedures are proposed to ensure the safety of medical and surgical instruments as well as surfaces that cannot withstand the currently recommended prion inactivation procedures.