the Problem
Multi Resistance
Resistance to antibiotics emphasizes the importance of infection control
As resistance to antibiotics increases, so does the importance of infection control. Every infection not prevented requires treatment, and every treatment adds to the selective pressure towards resistance. Investigations have shown that about 70% of bacteria that cause hospital acquired infections are resistant to at least one antibiotic commonly used to treat them1. In the US this corresponds to an estimated additional cost of treating these infections of about 5 billion USD per year2.
Pathogens ranging from a broad diversity are involved in hospital acquired infections. Many of these may well survive or persist on surfaces for a long period3. One notorious example is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aereus (MRSA), which includes several strains of the common bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that are not killed by common antibiotics. They develop resistance to antibiotics upon exposure. Huge costs are incurred in treating infections associated with MRSA worldwide.
A first choice alternative with a level one recommendation
The Bactiguard® coating has been proven to be an effective tool in order to prevent and reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections. The coating is recognized as a safe and effective alternative in infection control and the battle against multi-resistance.
Dr. D. Maki, a recognized expert in the field of infectious diseases, states that by using the Bactiguard® coated urinary catheters, hospitals can achieve significant reductions in the incidence of catheter related urinary tract infections without creating more multi-resistant microorganisms4.
Therefore, the indwelling urinary catheter Bardex IC® coated with Bactiguard® has achieved a level one recommendation by the Department of Health in the UK. It is recommended for its ability to reduce the incidence of catheter associated urinary tract infections. Thereby reducing the use of antibiotics in order to prevent the build-up of multi-resistant bacteria5.
References
1 Livermore D., Bacterial resistance: Origins, epidemiology and impact. Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36(Suppl 1): 11-23
2 Macías AE et al., Infection control: Old problems and new challenges. Archives of Medical Research 2005;36:637-45
3 Kramer T. et al., How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review. BMC Infectiotous diseases. 2006; 6:130
4 Maki, D.G., Tambyah P.A. Engineering out the risk of infection with urinary catheters. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2001; 7, 342-347
5 Health Protection Agency, Rapid Review Panel Report, UK, http://www.hpa.org.uk/.../bardex2.pdf
