Use of copper alloy for preventing transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination in the dermatology ward.

ABSTRACT

Metallic copper has been shown significantly to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination of the ambient surroundings of the beds of MRSA-carrying patients in dermatology wards. The aim of this study was to determine whether a bed sheet made of copper-coated film will reduce the spread of MRSA contamination in the environment of a heavily-colonized patient. The bacterial count was highest on the bed sheet. MRSA cell counts on the surface of the non-film-coated control sheet were high (6,600-11,000 colony forming units (cfu)), but those on the copper film were considerably lower (20-130 cfu). Use of metallic copper on the bed sheets of patients who are likely to be a source of MRSA contamination may help to prevent the spread of MRSA contamination in hospital wards.