Space disinfection using TiO2 photocatalyst reduces the incidence of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients

Kazuhide Iizuka, Heihachiro Ochiai, Yoshikazu Iizuka, Sachio Tsuchida, Hiroshi Umemura, Junichi Somei, Yumiko Tanimichi, Katsuhiro Miura, Hideki Nakamura, Tomohiro Nakayama, Yoko Aida, Yoshihiro Hatta, Masami Takei

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is life-threatening condition, and airborne microorganisms have been identified as one of the potential transmission routes. The objective of this study was to evaluate spatial sterilization using photocatalytic oxidative decomposition reactions which are effective to prevent FN. An air purifier equipped with a platinum-added titanium dioxide photocatalytic and LED light source (LED-TiO2 device) was installed in hospital rooms (per 21.5–35 m3) to investigate changes in FN incidence and airborne microorganism counts. Airborne microorganisms in the hospital rooms matched those responsible for nosocomial infections. The incidence of FN was significantly reduced after installation of the LED-TiO2 device [9/13 vs. 2/12, P-value (P) = 0.015]. The LED-TiO2 device decreased the number of airborne microorganisms in patient-free rooms by approximately 75% after 2 h [P < 0.001]. When patient was in the room, the number of airborne microorganisms increased with medical procedure. However, after 20 min of procedure, the number of airborne microorganisms was approximately 50% lower than without the device room [P = 0.019]. The LED-TiO2 device successfully achieved spatial disinfection of hospital rooms, and reduced the incidence of FN. Spatial disinfection using photocatalysts is considered an effective new infection prevention measure for patients with severe neutropenia undergoing cancer treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8874
JournalScientific Reports
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2025

Keywords

  • Febrile neutropenia
  • Infection of chemotherapy patients
  • Low-immunity patients
  • TiO2 Photocatalyst-Mediated Spatial disinfection

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