Abstract
BackgroundHospital acquired infections (HAI) are the most common complication found in the hospital environment. The aim of the study was to examine whether the use of an antimicrobial coating in high-touch areas in an orthopedic ward could reduce bacterial growth and HAI.MethodsFrom December 2017 to February 2018, HAI were registered on two orthopedic wards. A second registration was performed from December 2018 to February 2019. On the second occasion, an antimicrobial organosilane coating was applied just before the study period and thereafter weekly on one ward, while the other ward served as a control. Twenty defined high-touch areas on each ward were cultured before treatment and after 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 14 and 16 weeks. Samples were cultured for aerobic colony counts, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.ResultsThe total aerobic colony counts were 47% lower on the treated ward compared with the non-treated ward over the study period (p = 0.02). The colony counts for Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were low on both wards. During the first registration period, the incidence of HAI was 22.7% and 20.0% on the non-treated and subsequently treated ward respectively. On the second occasion, after treatment, the incidence was 25.0% and 12.5% (treated ward) respectively (p = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe use of a long-lasting antimicrobial organosilane coating appears to reduce the bioburden and reduce HAI. Since the incidence of HAI varies substantially over time, longer observation times are needed.
Highlights
Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are the most common complication found in the hospital environment and they result in significant patient morbidity and mortality
The treated ward was an acute orthopedic geriatric (AOG) ward, while an acute orthopedic (AO) ward served as a control
High touch areas cleaned with alcohol are recommended for Bioshield® 75 touch up on a weekly basis
Summary
Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are the most common complication found in the hospital environment and they result in significant patient morbidity and mortality. One important question is whether the current cleaning routines/disinfectants can be supplemented in order to reduce the bioburden. Copper surfaces have been shown to lower the concentrations of bacteria and the rate of HAI [2, 5,6,7]. Used disinfectants, such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, have no residual effect after drying and the treated surface can be recontaminated within minutes.
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