The problem
Microorganisms are found in all environments but can at times cause serious illness. The risks posed by microorganisms are universal from healthcare to the home and in industry.
These microorganisms have been responsible for the increase in Healthcare Associated Infections (HcAI) such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, where patients may get an infection which seriously increases the risk of mortality.
Noroviruses are highly contagious pathogens, transmitted primarily through direct person-to-person contact or spread via contaminated food or water. Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against Norovirus and there is no vaccine to prevent infection. Norovirus infections cannot be treated with antibiotics because antibiotics work to fight bacteria and not viruses.
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and is generally passed from person to person by airborne transmission (i.e., sneezing or coughing). For some people flu can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia which may require hospital treatment.
Over 5 million people in the UK suffer from food poisoning each year. Domestic kitchens are a key area where pathogens such Salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, Listeria and Norovirus can be easily transferred to food and cause serious food poisoning issues.
There are many areas in Industry where these microorganisms can cause problems. From the production and processing of food and beverages, to the treatment of water, microorganisms affect all aspects of both arable and livestock farming from viral and fungal attacks on plants and trees to bacterial infections that can affect livestock.
It is not feasible or desirable to eliminate all microorganisms; however the selective prevention and control of microbial colonisation in critical areas is required to ensure minimal disruption and damage to life and industry.