Effectiveness of the “Sterius 60” SHF Radiation Installation for Disinfection of Objects Contaminated with PBA of Groups I–IV, when Working with Infected Biomodels

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the “Sterius 60” microwave disinfection system (Russia) for decontamination of objects infected with PBA of groups I–IV emerging as a result of working with infected laboratory animals.Materials and methods. Effectiveness verification of disinfection of biological waste generated as a result of the life of laboratory animals by SHF radiation was carried out in the microwave system “Sterius 60”, recommended by the manufacturer for disinfection of epidemiologically hazardous and extremely dangerous medical waste, including biological ones (classes B and C), by volumetric SHF heating. Carcasses of uninfected laboratory animals (white mice, Guinea pigs, suckling rabbits), granulated feed and bedding material (wood shavings), which are objects directly in contact with biomodels, were used as vivarium waste to be decontaminated. The following microorganisms were utilized as model test ones: Bacillus subtilus VKM B-911, Bacillus stearothermophilus VKM B-718, Bacillus licheniformis G VKM B-1711-D, Alcaligenes faecalis 415, Yersinia pestis EV, Bacillus anthracis STI. Laboratory utensils (plastic Petri dishes, porcelain mortars and pestles) were used as a mock-up chamber filler for model test microorganisms.Results and discussion. As a result of the study, data were obtained indicating that the microwave system for disinfection of medical waste “Sterius 60” is ineffective for decontamination of biological waste in laboratories working with biomodels infected with PBA of groups I–II. The established standard mode of disinfection of this system was effective only for non-spore forms of microorganisms, pathogenicity groups III–IV. Therefore, in our opinion, it is advisable to use it for decontamination of laboratory utensils infected with PBA of groups III–IV, directly at sites of waste generation.