Anti microbial copper can effectively prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant organisms such as MRSA in hospitals.

The experiment from a laboratory at the University of Southampton used state of the art fluorescent microscopy to show copper eradicating an exceptionally high challenge of MRSA bacteria one of the notorious antibiotic resistant superbugs within minutes.

Mr Bill Keevil director of Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton and leader of the experiment, explained the significance of the result said that bacteria such as MRSA can survive on ordinary surfaces like door handles, taps and grab rails for days, even months and be transferred on hands, spreading bacteria to other surfaces or to patients.

He said that as more resistant bacteria emerge, we're running out of drugs to treat the infections they cause, so we need to do everything practicable to prevent their spread. Copper is a powerful antimicrobial, which quickly and continuously reduces the number of bacteria on its surface. We've demonstrated it here in the lab and it's also been shown to be effective in busy clinical environments as part of a set of infection control procedures.

He added that changing common touch surfaces in hospitals to copper can help break the chain of infection, leading to a more hygienic environment which must have a positive impact on the well being of patients even in the face of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

(Sourced from www.dailyindia.com)