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- Title
Antimicrobial efficacy of copper surfaces against spores and vegetative cells of Clostridium difficile: the germination theory.
- Authors
L. J. Wheeldon; T. Worthington; P. A. Lambert; A. C. Hilton; C. J. Lowden; T. S. J. Elliott
- Abstract
: Objectives Persistent contamination of surfaces by spores of Clostridium difficile is a major factor influencing the spread of C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in the clinical setting. In recent years, the antimicrobial efficacy of metal surfaces has been investigated against microorganisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This study compared the survival of C. difficile on stainless steel, a metal contact surface widely used in hospitals, and copper surfaces. : Methods Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using a carrier test method against dormant spores, germinating spores and vegetative cells of C. difficile (NCTC 11204 and ribotype 027) over a 3 h period in the presence and absence of organic matter. : Results Copper metal eliminated all vegetative cells of C. difficile within 30 min, compared with stainless steel which demonstrated no antimicrobial activity (P < 0.05). Copper significantly reduced the viability of spores of C. difficile exposed to the germinant (sodium taurocholate) in aerobic conditions within 60 min (P < 0.05) while achieving a ≥2.5 log reduction (99.8% reduction) at 3 h. Organic material did not reduce the antimicrobial efficacy of the copper surface (P > 0.05). : Conclusions The use of copper surfaces within the clinical environment and application of a germination solution in infection control procedures may offer a novel way forward in eliminating C. difficile from contaminated surfaces and reducing CDAD.
- Publication
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (JAC), 2008, Vol 62, Issue 3, p522
- ISSN
0305-7453
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1093/jac/dkn219