Role of the Microbial Burden in the Acquisition and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections: The Utility of Solid Copper Surfaces - Use of Biocidal Surfaces for Reduction of Healthcare Acquired Infections - page 77

general wards where patients have greater interaction with other objects in the built
environment. Similarly, investigations should also be conducted in emergency and
recovery rooms, in hospital rehabilitation units, pediatric and neonatal units, dial-
ysis centers, burn units, transplant units and cancer centers with immune-
compromised patients. At issue is the central theme that antimicrobial copper
surfaces continuously and passively limit the concentration of bacteria within the
built environment. Salgado and colleagues were able to demonstrate that infections
were correlated with burden. Thus, other healthcare environments that may argu-
ably receive less day-to-day hygienic oversight than hospital patient rooms, such as
visiting area, long-term care facilities, long-term rehab centers, outpatient clinics
and elder care facilities should also be investigated as they too may directly benefit
from the antimicrobial activity of copper.
4.7 Summary
The study of pathogen transmission in the hospital and the impact of colonization and
infection with nosocomial organisms have established the epidemiologic importance
of the environmental microbial burden associated with the built clinical environment.
These studies have outlined the complexity of this concept and have led to robust
recommendations for infection prevention that have undoubtedly prevented undo
morbidity and mortality. However, with renewed interest and study the risk contribu-
tion provided by the built environment towards patient care warrants a better under-
standing of the dynamics of colonization and infection. Through our discussion here
we hope that we have been able to identify potential avenues for improvement with
adjunctive use of newer technologies. These include the use of UV light and HPV
disinfection, and the potential value of the use of solid antimicrobial copper surfaces.
Through a multifaceted and continuously active mechanism of action, solid
copper surfaces placed in key locations within the patient room can significantly
reduce the overall microbial burden; have demonstrated their ability to continuously
maintain this concentration at a level representing a minimal risk for HAI acquisition
and most importantly, have translated meaningful benefit to patients by their associ-
ation with significant reduction of HAI. Further study to identify the optimal amount
of copper surfaces needed as well as the optimal placement in rooms and areas within
healthcare facilities is necessary to fully understand the potential impact.
References
1. Aiello AE, Larson EL (2002) What is the evidence for a causal link between hygiene and
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2. Albright LJ, Wilson EM (1974) Sub-lethal effects of several metallic salts organic compound
combinations upon the heterotrophic microflora of a natural water. Water Res 8:101-105