Space disinfection using TiO2 photocatalyst reduces the incidence of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients.

ABSTRACT: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is life-threatening condition, and airborne microorganisms have been identified as one of the potential transmission routes. The objective of this study was to evaluate spatial sterilization using photocatalytic oxidative decomposition reactions which are effective to prevent FN. An air purifier equipped with a platinum-added titanium dioxide photocatalytic and LED light source (LED-TiO2 device) was installed in hospital rooms (per 21.5-35 m3) to investigate changes in FN incidence and airborne microorganism counts. Airborne microorganisms in the hospital rooms matched those responsible for nosocomial infections. The incidence of FN was significantly reduced after installation of the LED-TiO₂ device [9/13 vs. 2/12, P-value (P) = 0.015]. The LED-TiO₂

SUBMITTER: Iizuka K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11909134 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature