Controlling the Spread of Infections in Hospital Wards by the Use of Antimicrobials on Medical Textiles and Surfaces

Abstract

The hospital and healthcare system is challenged by the presence of microorganisms and the negative effects they cause. Deterioration, defacement and odors are all dramatic effects which occur from the microbial contamination of surfaces as varied as uniforms and medical nonwoven fabrics to medical devices and hard surfaces i.e., walls, ceilings, and air duct systems. Most significantly, these surfaces can act as microbial “harbors and transfer site (vectors),” offering ideal environments for the proliferation and spread of microorganisms that are harmful to buildings, textiles, and humans. The ability to make microbial resistant surfaces in a healthcare environment has advantages in many applications. This is especially true in healthcare and hospital environments where the emergence of hospital acquired infections caused by MRSA, Aspergillus sp., Clostridium difficile, Mycobacterium spp. (TB), and other drug resistant species have threatened the health of its patients, staff, and visitors. According to a February 2007 National Statistics (UK) report, “The rates for deaths involving MRSA doubled for both male and females between 2001 and 2005.”1