NEW YORK (Reuters) Jul 01 - Antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care units (ICU) kill 97% of bacteria that can cause nosocomial infections, according to preliminary results of a multisite clinical trial in the United States.
The 97% reduction rate in bacteria on antimicrobial copper surfaces is the same as that achieved by "terminal" cleaning -- a process that is done after a patient leaves a room.
The results also showed a 40% reduction in the risk of acquiring an infection.
The study, presented at the World Health Organization's 1st International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, backed what research teams at three U.S. hospitals suggested four years ago: replacing the most heavily contaminated touch surfaces in ICUs with antimicrobial copper will control bacteria growth and cut down on infection rates.
Hospital-acquired infections are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease, strokes and cancer.