Surge in Drug-Resistant Infections: Hospitals Adopt LightStrike UV Technology to Combat CRE Spread
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A startling report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that infections from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” surged nearly 70% from 2019 to 2023.
This alarming trend primarily involves Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), a formidable group of pathogens that have developed resistance to carbapenem antibiotics—key treatments for infections inadequately addressed by other medications.
CRE infections typically spread through direct contact with an infected individual’s bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Research indicates that in healthcare environments, traditional liquid chemical cleaners often fail to eradicate dangerous microorganisms, leaving 20-40% of pathogen transmission events attributable to uncleaned surfaces.
Compounding the issue, certain pathogens are increasingly resilient not only to antibiotics but also to specific disinfectants, heightening the threat posed to both hospital patients and staff.
In response to the rising menace of drug-resistant bacteria, many prominent hospitals are enhancing their cleaning and disinfection protocols. They are investing in advanced ultraviolet (UV) light technology to significantly diminish surface pathogens.
A noteworthy milestone has been reached with hospitals utilizing Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots, which have completed an impressive 44 million disinfection cycles. This technology bolsters hospital cleaning processes, ensuring the eradication of pathogens from surfaces, thus preventing their transmission to patients, visitors, and healthcare staff.
The LightStrike system can achieve significant microbial reduction on exposed surfaces in as little as two minutes.
Operative in over 1,200 healthcare facilities globally, including hospitals, skilled nursing homes, retirement communities, and hospices, Xenex has demonstrated considerable efficacy in its approach.
Xenex LightStrike+ Robots: An FDA-Authorized Solution
As of September 2023, the FDA mandates that UV devices utilized for pathogen reduction on non-critical medical equipment surfaces within healthcare facilities must be authorized.
If a UV device is deployed for pathogen reduction in areas where non-critical medical equipment, such as beds and IV poles, is present, FDA authorization is required.
Notably, Xenex was the first entity to receive FDA clearance for a “Whole Room Microbial Reduction” device. The LightStrike+ robot employs potent pulsed xenon UV light to swiftly mitigate pathogens on surfaces in healthcare settings, including CRE, MRSA, and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
FDA designation confirms that the LightStrike+ robot has undergone comprehensive testing to validate its safety and effectiveness in diminishing pathogens in unoccupied healthcare environments.
“Prestigious hospitals worldwide integrate LightStrike technology as part of their holistic disinfection strategy, recognizing the vital importance of a sanitized environment. Institutions that prioritize the elimination of CRE and other perilous pathogens must leverage LightStrike robotics,” stated Morris Miller, CEO of Xenex.
About Xenex Disinfection Services
Xenex stands at the forefront of innovative UV technology-driven solutions. The company’s mission revolves around enabling partners to save lives and alleviate suffering by eradicating the lethal microorganisms responsible for infections.
Well-known investors backing Xenex include EW Healthcare Partners, Piper Sandler, Malin Corporation, Battery Ventures, Targeted Technology Fund II, Tectonic Ventures, and RK Ventures. For further details, visit xenex.com.
Source link: Morningstar.com.
