Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a critical issue in hospitals, particularly in Cardiology and Intensive Care.

• Transmission of pathogens via Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) probes is an increasing concern. indeed, Infectious Endocarditis (IE), often severe, can be transmitted via these invasive probes, significant vectors of HAIs
• Every year, 136 million Healthcare-Associated Infections occur worldwide¹
• 30% of IE cases are linked to Staphylococcus²
• Between 10% and 15% of IE cases are due to Enterococci²‍
• According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, patients with Staphylococcus aureus-related IE face a high in-hospital mortality rate.³

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A concerning rise in HAIs associated to TEE probes

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TEE probes are essential to obtain precise echocardiographic images of the heart and surrounding structures. However, despite the use of protective sheaths⁴, the absence of proper disinfection can expose patients to serious infection risks or even death.
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The main pathogens identified are:

• Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Mycobacterium‍
• Fungi: Candida albicans, Candida auris‍
• Viruses: HPV, HBV, HCV, HSV

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Staphylococcus & Enterococcus: Two concerning pathogens⁵

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Staphylococcus and Enterococcus are frequently implicated in HAIs. Their ability to colonize medical surfaces and develop antibiotic resistances significantly complicates clinical management.

These bacteria are responsible for severe infections, including Infectious Endocarditis and contribute to high morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients.

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Human Papillomavirus (HPV): An underestimated threat in cardiology

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Although better known for its role in anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers, HPV is emerging as a pathogen of concern in Cardiology. According to Dr. Cheong⁶'s study, some HPV strains may be associated to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in cases of immunosuppression or comorbidities. Increased monitoring is therefore recommended for infected patients.

To date, Germitec is the first and only company to have evaluated and demonstrated, in real clinical conditions, the effectiveness of UV-C disinfection against HPV.

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UV-C Yuvee® patented technology: clinically validated High-Level Disinfection

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Developed by Germitec, Yuvee® relies on the targeted use of UV-C light, capable of penetrating the membrane of microorganisms and destroying the bonds of DNA, RNA, and cellular proteins. It results in stopping their proliferation, therefore inactivating their pathogenic power and their infectious potential.

Designed to meet High-Level Disinfection requirements, Yuvee® has a proven efficacy against bacteria, yeasts and fungi, viruses, mycobacteria and spores. Among them, viruses such as HPV16 and HPV18 strains, as well as bacteria responsible for severe nosocomial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus hirae.

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Its effectiveness has been validated in several clinical and comparative contexts:​

• In 2017, Dr. Meyers⁷ published the results of his study demonstrating that Yuvee® technology effectively eliminates HPV, particularly HPV16 and HPV18 strains.​
• In 2019, Dr. Pichon⁸ showed that, against HPV, the effectiveness of Yuvee® technology is superior to disinfection with chemically impregnated wipes.​​
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Microbiological tests have demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial load:​

• 5.2 ± 0.2 log₁₀ reduction for Staphylococcus aureus​
• 6.2 ± 0.3 log₁₀ reduction for Enterococcus hirae​

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Yuvee® thus establishes itself as an innovative, fast, and chemical-free solution, providing a high level of disinfection suitable for critical medical devices such as TEE probes.​

An Innovative Strategy to Overcome the Limitations of Conventional Methods in TEE Probe Disinfection​

This technology provides an effective response to the shortcomings of conventional protocols and a concrete lever for reducing HAIs in cardiology.​

For healthcare institutions, integrating UV-C disinfection into hygiene protocols for TEE probes could represent a decisive turning point in combating bacterial and viral HAIs, while strengthening safety for high-risk patients.​

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Learn more about Chronos® Max, our UV-C High-Level Disinfection device for Cardiology and ENT departments.​

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* Product available in Europe and Oceania, not available in the US

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References:

1. Balasubramanian R, et al. Global incidence in hospital-associated infections resistant to antibiotics: An analysis of point prevalence surveys from 99 countries. PLOS Medicine. 20(6):e1004178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004178​
2. Chapter 9 – Item: 152; 2024 – Infective Endocarditis | Société Française de Cardiologie https://www.sfcardio.fr/publication/chapitre-09-item-152-endocardite-infectieuse/​
3. Østergaard L, et al. Temporal Changes, Patient Characteristics, and Mortality, According to Microbiological Cause of Infective Endocarditis: A Nationwide Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(16):e025801. doi:10.1161/JAHA.122.025801​
4. Kac G, et al. Evaluation of Ultraviolet C for Disinfection of Endocavitary Ultrasound Transducers Persistently Contaminated despite Probe Covers. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Feb;31(2):165-170. doi:10.1086/649794​
5. Daniau C, et al. Infections associées aux soins en établissement de santé: résultats de l’enquête nationale de prévalence 2017, France. Bull Epidémiol Hebd. 2020;(21). https://beh.santepubliquefrance.fr/beh/2020/21/2020_21_1.html​
6. Cheong HS, et al. Human papillomavirus infection and cardiovascular mortality: a cohort study. Eur Heart J. 2024;45(12):1072-1082. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehae020​
7. Meyers C, et al. UVC Radiation as an Effective Disinfectant Method to Inactivate Human Papillomaviruses. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(10):e0187377.​
8. Pichon M, et al. Decontamination of Intravaginal Probes Infected by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Using UV-C Decontamination System. J Clin Med. 2019;8:1776. doi:10.3390/jcm8111776

• Vesteinsdottir E, et al. Infections and outcomes after cardiac surgery – The impact of outbreaks traced to transesophageal echocardiography probes. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2019;63(7):871-878. doi:10.1111/aas.13360​