New Infection Control Research Launched by Albany Hygiene Facilities

Keeping school facilities clean and hygienic is imperative for all cleaning and facility managers, to reduce the spread of viruses and infections. New research by Queen Mary, University of London and Albany Hygiene Facilities will investigate infection risks in schools, funded by a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. The findings will inform the development of practical solutions to help break the chain of infection and decrease cross-contamination.

The new research will take a phased approach.  Phase one will involve instigation of screening the toilet facilities of London based schools. Interim findings are planned to be released in May 2011 before phase two widens the examination to outside the washroom area. Infection control policy guidance, based on the outcomes of the research, is hoped to be released by the end of the year.  

To date, no documented scientific research has been undertaken in schools that accurately identifies the level of infection and type of bacteria breeding. In addition, there is currently no clear guidance on what schools need to clean with, how often and when.

Postdoctoral researcher, Dr Hermine Mkrtchyan has been appointed to investigate infection risks in schools.  Dr Mkrtchyan was selected from approximately sixty candidates who applied for the 30 month post and will be working with Dr Ron Cutler, principal investigator of the project and director of Biomedical Science at Queen Mary. Dr Mkrtchyan has over seven years of experience in the field of natural product chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology research, mainly in the context of infectious diseases, with a number of published papers and patents.

Infection outbreaks and illness have a significant economic and educational impact on schools. It is hoped that Dr Mkrtchyan’s research will uncover the real state of infection risks in schools, which will then help to develop a guide for schools on how to manage infection control effectively.

Annual statistics show 11.7 million school days were lost in the spring 2010 term alone due to child illness including flu, norovirus and E.coli.

According to Dr Ron Cutler this illness rate is only going to increase, stating: “Infection threats to schools are influenced in part by external changes, such as increased international travel and antibiotic misuse and resistance. Climate change may also create the catalysts for increasing levels of infection as well as more unpredictable infection threats in the future. This research appointment will go a long way in helping us provide schools with the insights and guidance they need.”

Dr Mkrtchyan explains her role and vision for the new research: “The rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria is becoming a widespread issue resulting in a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. This means that when schools are cleaned they are assuming that they are reducing the risks of infection spreading, when in fact the bacteria is not being removed and remains live and spreading. We want to accurately define which bacteria are live in schools, where they are harbouring and then to create a practical and targeted plan for schools to fight the infection and reduce sickness levels for both the children and the teachers.”

The research concept was inspired by  a recent study/abstract accepted by 4th FEMS Congress of European Microbiologists that will take place in Geneva, 26-30 June, 2011, which  identified multiple drug resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci in general toilet facilities. It further posed the question, if these bacteria are alive in this public venue what does the school toilet germ community look like?

Mike Burton, managing director of Albany Hygiene Facilities comments: “The Government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently allows four million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a ‘Healthy School’, but unfortunately this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the building environment which the pupils, staff and teacher’s inhabit. Also, it does not encompass the critical area of infection control within the school. Our programme aims to work with and support the school’s needs. The scientific knowledge gained from the research will allow us to share comprehensive and bespoke advice to schools about infection control best practice.”

Hygiene education and effective hygiene management are the best ways to break the chain of infection and stop the spread of illness throughout schools and commercial premises. Albany Hygiene Facilities are able to provide you with a professional review of your facilities and will identify the most effective solutions to reduce cross contamination in your building. For your free hygiene assessment please visit www.albanyfacilities.com or call 0870 366 5777.

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For press enquiries please contact:
Michelle Eastty – Ceris Burns International   t: +44(0)1825 714329 e: michelle@cbimarketing.com; www.clean.cbimarketing.com