Background
An association exists between water of poor quality and health care-associated infections.
Copper shows microbiocidal action on dry surfaces; it is necessary to evaluate its
antimicrobial effect against organisms in aqueous solution.
Objective
The objective was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of copper against
common nosocomial pathogens in aqueous solution.
Methods
Copper and polyvinyl chloride containers were used. Glass was used as control material.
Fourteen organisms isolated from hospital-acquired infections, and 3 control strains
were tested. Inocula were prepared by direct suspension of colonies in saline solution
and water in each container tested. Bacterial counts in colony-forming units (CFU)/mL
were determined at the beginning of the experiment; at 30 minutes; and at 1, 2, 24,
and 48 hours.
Results
Organisms in glass and polyvinyl chloride remained viable until the end of the experiment.
Organisms in copper showed a reduction from more than 100,000 CFU/mL to 0 CFU/mL within
the first 2 hours of contact (F > 4.29, P < .001).
Conclusion
Copper containers show microbiocidal action on organisms in aqueous solution. Copper
may contribute to the quality of water for human use, particularly in hospitals.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 19, 2013
Footnotes
Supported by Antisepsia Central S.A. de C.V. and PROCOBRE Centro Mexicano de Promocion del Cobre, A.C.
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
