Copper Beats Out Stainless Steel for Anti-Bacterial Properties
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is one of the most difficult germs to combat because of its resistance of antibiotics. British scientists are evaluating a novel approach to reduce transmission rates.
Researchers from Southampton University note that copper halted MRSA breeding and destroys the germ’s DNA. In a 90 minute period, 10 million MRSA bacteria were destroyed by a one square centimeter of copper. Stainless steel, the standard metal on most hospital doors and other fixtures, such as bathroom faucets, has no such anti-bacterial qualities; MRSA can survive for days on that surface.
Responding to these findings, Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham is replacing bath fixtures and door handles made of stainless steel with copper versions in one of the hospital’s wards. They will monitor rates of infection in wards with copper compared to the standard alternative. Ongoing samples from surfaces will be collected to further evaluate the anti-bacterial quality of copper in a practical setting.
MRSA generally occurs in healthcare facilities; primarily hospitals and long term care centers. The public health community is concerned about spread of this infection because of the challenge in effective treatment. At least 5,000 deaths annually are attributed to MRSA.
March 16, 2007 Related topics: Infectious Diseases, Quality, Safety, Errors