The properties of copper in helping prevent infections in hospitals was the subject of a presentation by Professor Tom Elliott at the Infection Prevention 2013 conference this morning (1 October).

Prof Elliott, Consultant Microbiologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), addressed the question: "Can the use of copper help prevent infection?"

From his own pioneering clinical trial and a recently reported multi-centre trial in the US, the conclusion is that copper and copper alloy touch surfaces (collectively termed "antimicrobial copper") may indeed have a role in providing patients with a safer, more hygienic environment.

The Infection Prevention 2013 conference is hosted by the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) and is the UK's largest infection prevention and control event. It is being staged at the ExCel London (30 September – 2 October).

The antimicrobial activity of copper has been recognised for many years – dating back to Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, where copper was used in various medical treatments to help prevent infections. Its ability to rapidly kill bacteria, viruses and fungi that settle on its surface has now been comprehensively demonstrated in the laboratory, and is also evident in clinical settings.

In the first clinical trial – carried out at the now-closed Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham in 2007/2008 – it was shown that microbial load on frequently touched surfaces such as taps, light switches, grab rails, bedside tables and toilet seats could be reduced by greater than 90% by replacing these items with antimicrobial copper equivalents. These observations have subsequently been supported by similar studies in healthcare facilities across the world.

Most recently, a preliminary report on the effect of antimicrobial copper touch surfaces on the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in an intensive care unit (ICU) environment showed a patient’s risk of acquiring an HCAI is reduced when just six key touch surfaces in their vicinity are made from antimicrobial copper. This supports the use of antimicrobial copper touch surfaces as an adjunct to existing infection control procedures, in conjunction with continued regular surface cleaning and disinfection.

"These trial results raise a simple question," explains Professor Elliott, "why select a material other than antimicrobial copper when specifying surfaces that may be vehicles for the spread of infection? With the advent of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing HCAIs, some of which are very difficult to treat, such an approach – with the continuous antimicrobial activity of copper – is potentially even more relevant and important in today’s healthcare setting than ever before."