Effectiveness of surface coatings containing silver ions in bacterial decontamination in a recovery unit

Abstract

BackgroundHAIs remain a frequent complication for hospitalised patients and pose a challenge that must be tackled by our health systems.MethodsQuasi-experimental study. In order to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of surface coating agents containing silver ions (BactiBlock®) the degree of contamination of several surfaces in two ICU wards was compared.The association between application of Bactiblock® and surface contamination was analysed using a relative risk (RR). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed for each product applied and each sampling location to adjust for the RR of the contamination of surfaces treated with Bactiblock® for the independent variables.ResultsSurface contamination was observed in 31.5% of treated samples and 27.4 of untreated samples. Contamination was equally prominent on bedside Tables (38.7%), bed rails (38.4%) and sinks (38.3%), while the walls showed minimum contamination (2.6%). For beds under isolation protocols, contamination was higher (32.6%) than when no protocol was followed (26.5%) but the difference was not significant (p = 0.148). After stratification for application method and adjusting the multivariate models for period of the study and presence of isolated patients, the risk of contamination after the intervention increased when the coating agent was applied using a spray (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.08-2.95, particularly in a dry and rugged surface such as that of bedside Tables (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.22-5.52); and decreased when the product was applied using a roller on a smooth and continuously cleaned (or wet) Surface (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19-0.92).ConclusionCoating of hospital surfaces with substances containing silver ions may reduce bacterial growth. However, the effectiveness of the coating agent is affected by application method and environmental conditions and the type and cleanness of the surface.

Potential use of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent for the disinfection of personal protective equipment

“…It was observed that applying the disinfectant significantly decreased the bacterial and viral contamination on the surface. Tamimi et al [ 10 ] and Orti-Lucas and Munoz-Miguel [ 11 ] also indicated that microbial contamination can be reduced via the surface coating of equipment with various substances, which is in agreement with our results.…”

How can nanotechnology help to combat COVID-19? Opportunities and urgent need

“…Contaminated surfaces in public places, such as hospitals, parks, public transportation and schools, are a well-recognized common source for outbreaks of infection [ 46 , 47 ]. Some studies have shown the potential of nano-based surface coatings for prevention of infections [ 48 – 50 ]. Also, the protection of healthcare workers is very important in a viral outbreak.…”

Evidence Map and Systematic Review of Disinfection Efficacy on Environmental Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities

“…Sodium hypochlorite disinfection, which comprised any disinfection method specified as bleach or sodium hypochlorite, was identified in 19% of studies [20,44,60 For surface interventions, we found that copper surfaces were in 9% of studies [90,132,152,154,[167][168][169][170][171][172][173][174][175][176][177][178][179]. Other non-copper surface applications or coatings comprised 8% of studies [87,102,[180][181][182][183][184][185][186][187][188][189][190][191][192]. Other non-copper surfaces included coatings incorporating metals such as titanium oxide and silver ions as well as other coatings comprised of polymers, isopropyl alcohol and organofunctional silane, organosilane products, silicon nano-coating inorganic metal and organic quaternary ammonium, silicone quaternary amine, quaternary ammonium silyl oxide, and titanyl oxide moieties.…”