Long-term antimicrobial effectiveness of a silver-impregnated foil on high-touch hospital surfaces in patient rooms

Abstract

Background The hospital environment has got more attention as evidence as source for bacterial transmission and subsequent hospital-acquired infection increased. Regular cleaning and disinfection have been proposed to lower the risk of infection, in particular for gram-positive bacteria. Auto-disinfecting surfaces would allow to decrease survival of pathogens, while limiting resource to achieve a safe environment in patient rooms. Methods A controlled trial to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of a polyvinyl chloride foil containing an integrated silver-based agent (containing silver ions 2%) on high-touch surfaces in patient rooms. Results The overall log reduction of the mean values was 1.8 log10 CFU, the median 0.5 log10 CFU comparing bioburden of control vs antimicrobial foil (p < 0.01). Important pathogens were significantly less likely recovered from the foil, in particular enterococci. These effects were present even after 6 months of in-use. Conclusions A foil containing an integrated silver-based agent applied to high-touch surfaces effectively results in lower recovery of important pathogens from such surfaces over a 6-month study period.

Prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections with multidrug-resistant organism: A review

“…The intervention led to a 68% decrease in the incidence of MDRO infection among patients after 22 months. Meanwhile, Widmer et al [37] introduced the use of silver-containing materials on high-touch surfaces like headboards, toilet seats, and dining tables. They observed pathogen reduction 2 months postintervention, and the effects remained sustained for 6 months.…”

Lessons from the first wave of COVID-19 in Italy: A collection of design strategies to face pandemic situations in healthcare facilities

“…The variable survival of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on different materials 66 has shaped guidelines and practices in terms of disinfection procedures, while renewing discussions regarding the introduction of materials made of copper, silver, or that are otherwise technologically treated, in high touch locations to aid in infection control, though further research in applying innovative materials in hospitals is needed. 31,34,[67][68][69] Furnishings in all potentially contaminated areas should meet similar standards, avoiding unnecessary and inaccessible surfaces that can retain moisture or facilitate dirt accumulation. 61 Though specific space needs have varied during the COVID-19 pandemic and may be different during the next health emergency, hospital design needs to be adaptable and capable of rapid change involving a combination of built and administrative strategies.…”

Evaluation of the Efficacy of UV-C Radiation in Eliminating Microorganisms of Special Epidemiological Importance from Touch Surfaces under Laboratory Conditions and in the Hospital Environment

“…Due to the already discussed conditions concerning traditional cleaning and disinfection, it is important to introduce additional disinfection methods into everyday practice which would be less dependent on human errors, quick, easy to use and effective [12,13], e.g., devices enabling contactless disinfection with UVC radiation. UVC radiation at 254 nm was confirmed to have antimicrobial properties, resulting from the destruction of DNA and RNA; however, its effectiveness, similar to any other method of decontamination, depends on various factors.…”