The problem of hospital-acquired infections is already rife in the United States (over 80% of American hospitals are already said to contend with antibiotic-resistant germs). Although there are no official statistics for the German-speaking area, a figure of between 12-18% of hospitals and rising is generally assumed.

Unlike chemicals, UVC radiation directly attacks the nucleus of the cell, destroying its DNA. Simple modifications of the surface structures of the mutated cells therefore remain ineffective against UVC. Airlock systems can prevent spread into other rooms.