Following reports that a new superbug has been brought into
Britain, an expert microbiologist is urging healthcare officials in
the Midlands to act now to prevent a potentially devastating
outbreak of NDM-1.
Dr Richard Hastings, microbiologist for Wolverhampton-based
antimicrobial specialists BioCote, says that whilst the new
superbug is resistant to the most powerful antibiotics, the fact is
that antimicrobial silver ion technology is effective against
antibiotic resistant bacteria, including E.coli, the bacterium
known to carry NDM-1.
Dr Hastings said: "There's no doubt in my mind that more drastic
action needs to be taken to combat hospital bugs and this is even
more paramount now NDM-1 has entered UK hospitals. To
compound this, there are also a host of other harmful microbes like
MRSA and Salmonella that present their own dangers.
"My message for the Government and the healthcare industry in
general is clear - prevention is better than cure. By adopting
antimicrobial silver technology into hospital equipment and
furniture at the manufacturing stage, it is proven through
independent laboratory testing to dramatically reduce bacteria,
including E.coli and MRSA, by up to 99%. This obviously reduces the
risk of cross contamination and consequently the risks of patients
being infected."
BioCote technology can be incorporated into a wide range of
products specific to the healthcare industry or any environment
where hygiene standards are critical, including restaurants,
on-board cruise ships and in schools or offices for example. For
hospitals, this means wall or floor tiles, paint, curtains, bed
sheets, chairs, tables, work surfaces and medical equipment could
feature built-in antimicrobial protection that lasts for the
lifetime of the product.
Continued Dr Hastings: "Any interventions that can reduce
harmful microbes being transmitted to patients must be good news
and one that both government and the healthcare industry have to
take seriously. Unfortunately, even with the strictest hygiene
practices in place, well trained staff and the best disinfectants
on the market, it is impossible to clean a surface every minute of
the day. Once cleaning stops, bacteria begins to grow, with
some microbes able to double in number in as little as 20
minutes.
"Silver is an ideal natural antimicrobial because it has a high
efficacy against a wide range of potentially disease causing
organisms and is regarded as non-toxic. Incorporating it at the
production stage will reduce the risk of cross contamination,
infection and illness."