Decontamination of prion-contaminated surfaces with phenols

Abstract

A method of decontaminating a surface or liquid which is contaminated with prions includes treating the surface with a composition which includes one or more phenol. Phenols which are particularly effective include p-chloro-m-xylanol, thymol, triclosan, 4-chloro, 3-methylphenol, pentachlorophenol, hexachlorophene, 2,2-methyl-bis(4-chlorophenol), and p-phenylphenol.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of biological decontamination. The invention finds particular application in connection with the removal and / or destruction of harmful biological materials, such as prions (proteinaceous-infectious agents), from medical, dental, and pharmaceutical instruments and will be described with particular reference thereto. It will be appreciated, however, that the method and system of the present invention may be utilized in biological decontamination of a wide range of equipment, instruments, and other surfaces contaminated with prion infected material, such as pharmaceutical preparation facilities, food processing facilities, laboratory animal research facilities including floors, work surfaces, equipment, cages, fermentation tanks, fluid lines, and the like. The term “Prion” is used to describe proteinaceous-infectious agents that cause relatively similar brain diseases in humans and / or in animals, which are invaria...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Another advantage of the present invention is that it deactivates prions quickly and effectively.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is compatible with a wide variety of materials and devices.

Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

The following abbreviations are used throughout: BSA=bovine serum albumin OBPCP=o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol OPP=o-phenylphenol PCMX=p-chloro, m-xylanol PTAP=p-tertiary-amylphenol 3,4DiOH benzoic=3,4 dihydroxybenzoic acid 3,5 DiMeOphenol=3,5 dimethoxyphenol 2,6 DiMeOphenol=2,6 dimethoxyphenol 2,3 DiMe-phenol=2,3 dimethoxyphenol

Problems solved by technology

The abnormal form of the protein is not broken down effectively in the body and its accumulation in certain tissues (in particular neural tissue) eventually causes tissue damage, such as cell death.

Concerns are being raised that procedures previously considered to be “low risk” in terms of prion infection, such as tonsillectomy and dental procedures, may pose unacceptable risks of infection, particularly, if the incidence of prion-related diseases increases.

During the long incubation period, it is extremely difficult to determine whether a surgical candidate is a prion carrier.

Prions are notoriously very hardy and demonstrate resistance to routine methods of decontamination and sterilization.

These aggressive treatments are often incompatible with medical devices, particularly flexible endoscopes and other devices with plastic, brass, or aluminum parts.

Many devices are damaged by exposure to high temperatures.

Chemical treatments, such as strong alkali, are damaging to medical device materials or surfaces in general.

In other studies, phenols have generally been found not to be effective against prions.

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