Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the environment. Many are benign, but some are pathogens that pose substantial threats to the health of the individual and the community. Many bacteria, including multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as MRSA, MRPA, MDRA, and VRE, can survive and persist in the environment, especially in hospitals, and are therefore called hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). HAIs are currently the causes of major health and financial problems faced by hospitals around the world. Although significant efforts have been made to disinfect hard surfaces, soft, porous materials, such as hospital textiles, have generally been ignored.

This study thus aimed to investigate the efficacy and long-term performance of a multilevel antimicrobial coating (MAC) system fo...[ Read more ]

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the environment. Many are benign, but some are pathogens that pose substantial threats to the health of the individual and the community. Many bacteria, including multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as MRSA, MRPA, MDRA, and VRE, can survive and persist in the environment, especially in hospitals, and are therefore called hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). HAIs are currently the causes of major health and financial problems faced by hospitals around the world. Although significant efforts have been made to disinfect hard surfaces, soft, porous materials, such as hospital textiles, have generally been ignored.

This study thus aimed to investigate the efficacy and long-term performance of a multilevel antimicrobial coating (MAC) system for textiles in the laboratory, the hospital working environment and in a long-term caring facility for elderly (LTCF). This research benchmarked the use of the said antimicrobial system against current infection control practices. The investigation was completed in three phases, including one phase of laboratory experimentation used to formulate optimum concentration and understand the bactericidal efficacy of the MAC on mentioned MDROs and HAIs. Next two phases of field testing were carried out through a partnership with Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Kowloon Hospital (KH) and Haven of Hope, Woo-Ping elderly care. Furthermore, it involved the practical deployment of the technology to all hospital and LTCF textiles and has provided a manufacturing blueprint for the large-scale production of the antimicrobial system. A double-blind cross-over clinical trial was conducted in the rehabilitation ward of KH and residents’ rooms of LTCF. The results of the clinical trials in KH were very encouraging and indicated log 1.819 CFU/m² reduction and 98.48% antimicrobial efficacy against the aforementioned pathogens on patient privacy curtains. In LTCF, the viable bacterial reduction was log 0.801 CFU/m² and ensured 83.84% antimicrobial efficacy with a statistically significant p-value (>0.05). It showed the micellar antimicrobial formulation to be very efficient against common bacteria, pathogens, and MDROs found in healthcare settings. It has also been proven to be durable and to provide long-term surface disinfection against microorganisms.

Consequentially, the risk of unwanted transmission of pathogens from the environment to patient host will be reduced, and accordingly, the rate of HAIs in healthcare settings will be lowered. The need for safe antimicrobial systems that are inexpensive, easy to use and can provide long-lasting protection against microbial surface recontamination is not limited to hospital and healthcare environments, but also extends to domestic homes. Proper MAC usage will have an immediate impact of decreasing the viability of MDROs and other pathogens in the environment and improve not only individual wellness but also public health.