Metagenomic insights into microbial contamination in critical healthcare environments and the efficacy of a novel "HLE" disinfectant

Background: Bacterial contamination on inanimate clinical surfaces is directly linked to severe health problems, especially those caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) path-ogens. Here, we evaluated the microbial burden in these environments and tested the efficacy of a novel HLE disinfectant solution.Methods: Microbial contamination of healthcare surfaces [Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Long Period Hospitalization Room (LPHR) and Otolaryngology Consultation (OC)] and the efficacy of HLE disinfectant solution were determined analyzing the viable counts on general and selective me-dia, and also by molecular studies focused on metagenomic and specific qPCR.Results: Different contamination loads were detected with LPHR showing the highest contami-nation. Treatment with the HLE disinfectant solution curbed the spread of well-adapted patho-gens on touched surfaces (ICU, LPHR and OC). Metagenomic analysis of microbial diversity of the Patient Table (most contaminated surface in LPHR) revealed the presence of mainly A. johnsonii and P. putida. Furthermore, functional annotation of toxin, virulence and antibiotic resistance sequences showed a high diversity of Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. In this context, specific qPCR analysis confirmed the efficacy of HLE disinfectant solution against the most prev-alent and critical pathogens Pseudomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. achieving their complete eradication. Conclusion: Given the persistence of detrimental resistant pathogens, the application of HLE disinfection solution could be a highly beneficial and effective option-used either alone or in