BackgroundThe role of fomites and the environment in nosocomial infections is becoming widely recognized. In this paper we discuss the use of Cupron copper oxide impregnated non-porous solid surface in the hospital setting and present in vitro testing data via USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved testing protocols that demonstrate the efficacy of these products to assist in reduction in environmental contamination and potentially nosocomial infections.ResultsThe two countertops tested passed all the acceptance criteria by the EPA (>99.9% kill within 2 hours of exposure) killing a range of bacterial pathogens on the surface of the countertops even after repeated exposure of the countertops to the pathogen, and multiple wet and dry abrasion cycles.ConclusionsCupron enhanced EOS countertops thus may be an important adjunct to be used in hospital settings to reduce environmental bioburden and potentially nosocomial infections.
Hospital patients and personnel are at risk of nosocomial viral infections, as clearly manifested during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transmission of respiratory viral pathogens can occur through contaminated surfaces, including from medical textiles. Copper has potent biocidal properties, and cuprous oxide impregnated medical textiles (CMT) reduce hospital-acquired bacterial infections. In the current study we confirm the antimicrobial properties of CMT and determine their capacity to reduce infectious titres of human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) in an independent laboratory. The antibacterial and antiviral activities of the CMT were determined according to AATCC TM100-2019 and ISO 18184:2019 standards, respectively. The CMT reduced by 4 logs the viable titers of MRSA, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida auris after 2 h of incubation. Viable titers of Clostridium difficile were reduced by 2.3, 3, and 4 logs after 2, 6, and 18 h, respectively. Infectious titers of HCoV-229E exposed to CMT for 2 h were reduced by 2.8 and 4 logs (99.85% and 99.99% reductions) as compared to Time-0 control and initial inoculum, respectively. The CMT retain their antibacterial efficacy even after 100 industrial washings. Use of cuprous oxide impregnated textiles in clinical settings may reduce not only hospital acquired infections caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens, but also, and equally important, those caused by coronavirus and other viruses.
Copper has two key properties that make it an attractive component to introduce into textiles and socks in particular -it has potent biocidal properties and is an essential trace element vital for the normal function of skin. The capacity of copper oxide impregnated socks to kill fungi that causes tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and to enhance skin elasticity has already been demonstrated.In the current study, we assessed the beneficial effect on the skin of the foot in the wider population by supplying socks impregnated with microscopic copper oxide particles to 5,000 individuals that were identified via an internet survey as people who had experienced athlete's foot within the past 6 months or were concerned about the appearance of their feet. Each individual received 3 complementary pairs of socks and was asked to use them as they would normally use their own socks. After 90 days 3,603 paricipants answered an online questionnaire. The vast majority (82%) of responders that felt uncomfortable showing their bare feet in public before using the socks reported a meaningful improvement to their foot skin following the use of the socks for at least 5 hours a day. 61% of respondents reported elimination or reduction of their foot odor, and 60% reported stopping using a foot care regime or therapy due to using the supplied socks. 51% indicated that the socks improved the appearance of their feet and 58% indicated they were now more comfortable showing their feet in public.In view of the above, it can be concluded that the simple use of copper oxide impregnated socks for at least 5 hours a day helps improve the foot skin well-being and overall appearance of the skin.
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