Copper-coated hospital surfaces: reduction of total bacterial loads and resistant Acinetobacter spp.

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a global challenge and an even more staggering concern when related to microorganisms capable of resisting and surviving for long periods in the environment, such as Acinetobacter spp. Strategies that allow a reduction of pathogens from hospital environments represent an additional barrier in infection control protocols, minimizing transmission to hospitalized patients. Considering the antimicrobial properties of copper, here, the bacterial load and the presence of Acinetobacter spp. were monitored on high handling surfaces covered by 99.9% copper films on intensive and non-intensive care unit bedrooms in a tertiary care hospital. Firstly, copper-coated films were able to inhibit the adhesion and biofilm formation of A. baumannii strains in in vitro assays. On the other hand, Acinetobacter spp. were isolated from both copper-coated and uncoated surfaces in the hospital, although the majority was detected on surfaces without copper. All carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates identified harbored the blaoxa-23 gene, while the A. nosocomialis isolates were susceptible to most antimicrobials tested. All isolates were susceptible to polymyxin B. Regarding the total aerobic bacteria, surfaces with copper-coated films presented lower total loads than those detected for controls. Copper coating films may be a workable strategy to mitigate HAIs, given their potential in reducing bacterial loads in nosocomial environments, including threatening pathogens like A. baumannii.

Preventing Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Transmission in the Intensive Care Unit with a Comprehensive Approach: A Policymaking Manual

“…Moreover, antimicrobial surfaces coated with copper or silver can be applied to high-touch areas to reduce the risk of cross-transmission, and novel automated ultraviolet radiation devices have shown effectiveness in reducing contamination on commonly touched hospital surfaces [ 53 ]. ICU rooms with copper alloy-coated objects showed lower rates of HAI and colonization by MDR bacteria [ 54 , 55 ]. Utilizing these innovations to complement manual cleaning methods, especially in readily contaminated areas or during outbreaks, may prove beneficial in improving hygiene and reducing risks.…”

Genomic Surveillance Uncovers a 10-Year Persistence of an OXA-24/40 Acinetobacter baumannii Clone in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Spain

“…A. baumannii can also easily acquire antibiotic resistance determinants rendering multiple antimicrobials useless, hindering patient treatment [10,11]. To add to this, the organism's ability to survive under a wide range of environmental conditions and to persist for extended periods of time on dry surfaces make it a frequent endemic nosocomial pathogen [12][13][14][15].…”