Review Article - Special Collection: Infection Prevention and Control Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for surface cleaning of COVID-19 in healthcare settings: A review

Chioma M. Oringanje, Sidney K. Oparah, Chukwudi Oringanje, Chibuike M. Meremikwu, David Olatunji, Alice A. Uzuta, Chinwe L. Ochu

Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 2 | a572 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i2.572 | © 2025 Chioma M. Oringanje, Sidney K. Oparah, Chukwudi Oringanje, Chibuike M. Meremikwu, David Olatunji, Alice A. Uzuta, Chinwe L. Ochu | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 06 May 2024 | Published: 28 February 2025

About the author(s) Chioma M. Oringanje, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Xavier University, Cincinnati, United States of America
Sidney K. Oparah, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Chukwudi Oringanje, Cochrane Nigeria, Institute of Tropical Diseases, Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Chibuike M. Meremikwu, Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
David Olatunji, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
Alice A. Uzuta, nstitute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Chinwe L. Ochu, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria; and, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of additional infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. In healthcare settings, the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections remains high for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been explored as a potential alternative for surface disinfection within healthcare facilities and hospitals.

Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of UVGI as a surface cleaning method for COVID-19.

Setting: Healthcare settings.

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched from 01 January 2020 to 31 August 2022, included Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), with no language restrictions. Two independent researchers screened and extracted data. Proportions and relative risk were calculated, and the evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE approach.

Results: Three studies were included, all focusing on terminal disinfection of patient rooms. None directly assessed the effect of UVGI on hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections. One study found UVGI reduced viral contamination post-regular cleaning in healthcare settings (RR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.02–3.31). Other studies reported complete viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) clearance after 15 min of irradiation at 254 nm and 15 s at 222 nm, respectively.

Conclusion: The evidence on UVGI reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination on surfaces is of very low certainty.

Contribution: The very low certainty prevents a definitive conclusion on its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base.

Keywords

ultraviolet germicidal irradiation; COVID-19; Coronavirus; disinfection; healthcare

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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