Strategic disinfection: controlling adenovirus breakthroughs in healthcare environments

The winter of 2025/2026 has seen a significant surge in adenovirus cases across the UK, with laboratory positivity rates reaching nearly 8%[i] among pediatric populations, posing a particular threat to people with weakened immunity such as the elderly.

To manage these outbreaks effectively, we must address a critical scientific reality: Adenovirus is a non-enveloped virus. Unlike enveloped viruses (such as Influenza or SARS-CoV-2), non-enveloped viruses are hardier and are frequently microorganisms not sensitive to standard disinfection protocols.

The challenge of persistent pathogens

Adenovirus is characterized by its high environmental stability. It can survive on hard surfaces and medical equipment for weeks, creating persistent reservoirs for transmission. Because it lacks a lipid envelope, it is not sensitive to many low-level disinfectants. Breaking the chain of infection requires chemistries that have been rigorously validated against the EN 14476 standard, specifically for adenovirus. EN 14476 is quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of virucidal activity in the medical area, phase 2/step 1.

Technical excellence in action: Arxada’s NUGEN® portfolio

Our NUGEN® line offers high-performance solutions for adenovirus control, tested under medical conditions to ensure efficacy in real-world settings.

1. NUGEN® HLD-CD: cutting-edge, ready-to-use (RTU) disinfectant specially designed for medical device surfaces.

High-Level Disinfection (HLD): Powered by advanced chlorine dioxide technology, it utilizes a multi-target mechanism of action that destroys microbial cell membranes and genetic material, ensuring that even the most resilient pathogens are deactivated.

Broad efficacy spectrum: Demonstrates a broad efficacy spectrum, including effectiveness against Clostridium difficile, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, as well as viruses and Tuberculosis.

Critical defense: Thanks to its broad-spectrum efficacy and excellent material compatibility, this product is suitable for a wide range of non-invasive medical devices.

It is an ideal solution for critical areas in healthcare settings, such as operating rooms, isolation units and intensive care units.

2. NUGEN® DR-25aN: high-performance targeted disinfection

Disinfectant cleaner with broad spectrum activity against bacteria, yeast and viruses. Its efficacy against different types of viruses makes it suitable for use around hospitals, long term care facilities and institutions for hard surface cleaning and disinfection.

• Active chemistry: Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC)

• Virucidal properties: Proven efficacy against Adenovirus (EN 14476) – even under high medical organic load

• Hazard profile: Not classified as hazardous at the in- use- dilution, contributing to a less hazardous work environment when following the use directions, without compromising on performance.

3. NUGEN® R-82G: scalable, cost-effective virucidal power

When dealing with large-scale facilities or high-traffic institutional areas, NUGEN® R-82G provides an unmatched balance of efficacy and economy.

• Limited spectrum virucidal: Validated against Adenovirus Type 5.

• Cost-in-use: Designed for high-dilution efficiency, supporting facilities to maintain efficacy, while optimizing their budget and reducing their environmental footprint.

• Material compatibility: Exceptional compatibility with diverse substrates including medical-grade plastics, aluminum, and stainless steel, preventing the long-term degradation of assets.

Conclusion: upholding the standard of care

Infection prevention is an unwavering pillar of patient safety. As we face these viral outbreaks, the choice of disinfectants is not merely a procurement decision - it is a clinical intervention. By utilizing the proven science behind NUGEN® HLD-CD, NUGEN® DR-25aN and NUGEN® R-82G as part of their disinfection regimen, healthcare providers can confidently work to break transmission chains and protect vulnerable lives.

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[i] UK Health Security Agency https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-report-8-january-2026-week-2