MRSA Infection

Copper Surfaces in ICU Rooms Slash Hospital-Acquired Infections

Copper Surfaces in ICU Rooms Slash Hospital-Acquired Infections  : Family Practice News.

Although copper is not officially considered a precious metal, its antimicrobial properties suggest it may be priceless in the fight against the growing threat of hospital-acquired infections, according to new data presented at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Previously shown to reduce the environmental bioburden when placed into medical intensive care unit (MICU) patient rooms, copper surfaces significantly reduced the acquisition rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus relative to standard-material surfaces in a randomized controlled trial. The study compared the effect of both types of surfaces on the rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in 564 medical intensive care unit patients, reported Dr. Cassandra Salgado of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Copper an MRSA killer?

Link: Designs For Wellbeing.

Bio-active textiles
This technology bonds copper compounds to fabrics, paper etc., therefore giving them powerful, long-lasting antimicrobial properties without causing any harm - e.g. clothing for surgeons, pyjamas, sheets. Foot infections: Socks are now standard issue for US Marines - "the rough and tough guys are wearing our socks" - "no smell". Bird flu? "so the mask that we have will kill - actually destroy the virus when it comes in contact with it." "This is a mask that is going to cost almost the same as a normal mask." "This will be made for general distribution." HCAIs? "We have the same kind of thing that we've done for surgeons." "Sheets that kill bacteria will go a long way towards solving the problem of infections acquired in hospitals."