Control of Cross-Infections in Infants' Wards by the Use of Triethelyene Glycol Vapor

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Abstract
From Nov. 15, 1945 to May 1, 1946 2 infants'' wards, similar in size, shape and physical set-up, in one of which was maintained a triethylene glycol vapor level of 55-70%, were compared as to: 1) numbers of bacteria settling on plates and air bacteria detected by the Folin -bubbler-sampler; 2) incidence of specific and non-specific clinical infections among patients due to pneumococci, hemolytic streptococci, and specific Gram-negative bacilli; 3) inapparent or non-clinical infections. No injurious effect was noted on the respiratory tract or skin of infants who were on the test ward for several wks. to months. Settling plates showed a 31% reduction in number of bacteria, and the Folin-bubbler-sampler a 70% reduction, in test ward over control ward. The rates of non-specific clinical infections and of specific bacterial infections per 1000 hospital days were slightly more favorable in the test ward, but the differences were no greater than could be expected by chance. Those patients receiving antibiotics on both wards showed a significantly lower rate of specific bacterial infection than those not receiving chemotherapy. No conclusion can be reached as to the efficacy of triethylene glycol vapor in preventing air-borne infections in hospital wards.