Evaluation of copper alloys for reducing infection by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium in intensive care unit and in vitro.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

Multi-drug resistant pathogens are increasing among healthcare-associated infections. It is well known that copper and copper alloys have antimicrobial activity. We evaluated the activity of copper against bacteria in a hospital setting in Korea.

Methods

This study was conducted in a laboratory and medical intensive care unit (ICU). Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) were inoculated onto copper, copper alloy and stainless steel plates. After 24 hours of incubation, colony-forming units (CFU) were counted in the laboratory. Two similar rooms were chosen in the ICU; one room had copper-containing surface, and the other room contained items with a stainless steel surfaces. Items were sampled wee

SUBMITTER: Choi SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8435501 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature