Infectious diseases can be transferred from person to person via direct contact with contaminated inanimate objects. In healthcare settings, these objects can range from tabletops to bedrails to patient care equipment. One technique utilized by infection control professionals to control these environmental infectious microorganisms is disinfection. Adenovirus type 8, which commonly causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), is a worldwide problem in newborns and remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cataract extraction or corneal replacement procedures. One of the ways adenovirus type 8 can be spread is from patient to patient by contaminated ophthalmic equipment. Therefore, the elimination of adenovirus type 8 from inanimate objects, such as tonometers, potentially could offer significant health benefits. Unfortunately, only limited data are available on the efficacy of available germicide products versus adenovirus 8. Given the lack of data on the efficacy of disinfection products in adenovirus eradication, this study was designed to identify which commonly used germicides were most effective in this pursuit, and in turn reduce the risk of infection resulting from patient contact with contaminated ophthalmic instruments.Master of Science in Public Healt
