An Overview of the Options for Antimicrobial Hard Surfaces in Hospitals

摘要: Contaminated surfaces make an important contribution to the transmission of several pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile and a number resistant Gram-negative rods, Acinetobacter baumannii. Several different approaches are available for improving hospital hygiene, effectiveness existing methods range new approaches, novel disinfectants. A complimentary approach is introduction antimicrobial (AMS), which exert continuous reduction on level microbial contamination hospitals surfaces. There making surface ‘antimicrobial’: permanently ‘manufacture in’ agent with activity; periodically apply or physically alter properties it less able support and/or easier clean. Promising options AMS in healthcare settings include metals (principally copper silver), chemicals (organosilanes, quaternary ammonium compounds, light-activated antimicrobials, polycationic polymers) physical alteration reduce attachment improve cleanability. Before widespread adoption AMS, promising candidates require rigorous vitro situ assessment, evaluation their clinical impact cost effectiveness. Copper alloy most closely evaluated option have demonstrated activity against pathogens (although sporicidal capacity remains equivocal), evidence efficacy studies has been associated healthcare-associated infections (HAI). However, long-term durability, acceptability cost-effectiveness not formally. Finding evaluating optimal will multidisciplinary approach, involving industrial partners, materials scientists, scientists epidemiologists refine test options.