INF ECTION P R EVENTION
Use of antimicrobial coatings in healthcare
Antimicrobial coatings could provide an innovative addition to existing infection prevention and control programmes. Jade Pallett calls for further investigation into their potential within the healthcare setting.
The dissemination of infectious diseases within the healthcare environment is an issue both persistent and increasing, globally.1
Statistics from nearly a decade
ago indicate there is approximately 4 million healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) annually in Europe, and around 1.7 million in the US.2
The issue is further exacerbated
by the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and disinfectant resistance. Common fomites that microbes are able to adhere to within the healthcare environment include: solid-gas interfaces such as door handles, switches, buttons, clothes, curtains, keyboards (etc), and solid-liquid (water) interfaces such as taps, drains and shower.1 Technology frequently presents innovative products or ideas that, over time, can cause a revolutionary effect within Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Infectious diseases and resulting HCAIs present a considerable challenge to human health across healthcare environments globally.3 A relatively novel concept that has been gaining traction within the healthcare industry is the use of antimicrobial coatings (AMCs). While the knowledge of AMCs is not necessarily new, its widespread application within healthcare is yet to be seen. Antimicrobial coatings have the potential to provide an innovative addition to existing infection prevention and control programmes. It is well documented within
scientific literature that surfaces can pose a significant source of microbiological contamination within both healthcare and the wider environment.4
It is also evident
that traditional disinfectant products, while effective when wet at the point of application, do not provide any long-lasting protection.
Once the disinfected surface has dried, contamination and pathogen multiplication can occur. Quaternary Ammonium
Outbreaks of bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens, alongside increasing antimicrobial resistance and HCAIs, pose an international threat to public health. It would therefore be prudent to further investigate the use of antimicrobial coatings, in order to fully assess their capabilities to benefit public health.
AUGUST 2021
Compounds (QACs) have long been recognised for their long-lasting antimicrobial properties. QACs have been utilised within the healthcare, cosmetic and industrial environments internationally for some time. Many QACs already benefit from regulatory approvals globally. QACs possess excellent long term antimicrobial activity, while having low levels of toxicity and not leaching over time.5
Antimicrobial coatings, such as Zoono
Surface Sanitiser, bond to the surface or form a surface that possesses a protective layer that continue to kill germs after application. Standard infection prevention and control practices without the additional benefit of AMCs leave reinfection opportunities between routine cleaning processes. As typical cleaning and disinfection products are only active while wet, recontamination of surfaces can occur as soon as the product has dried, normally just minutes after application. Therefore, the risk of transmission from surfaces to hands and vice versa and for colonisation of surfaces between routine
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