ALTERNATYWNE OPCJE OGRANICZANIA ROZPRZESTRZENIANIA SIĘ CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE NA ODDZIAŁACH SZPITALNYCH.

Diseases connected with Clostridium difficile infections are an increasing problem of contemporary hospital care. This results both from the properties of the pathogen itself such as its ability to produce spores and toxins as well as other factors related to hospital care, most importantly the excessive use of antibiotics. One of the major contributors to the spread of the pathogen is hand hygiene, which plays a significant role in spreading Clostridium difficile, however inanimate surfaces can also act as pathogen reservoirs. Copper and its alloys with a copper content exceeding 65% manifest rapid and effective bactericidal properties. Studies also confirm a similar effect of copper and its alloys on the vegetative forms of C. difficile, which upon exposure were eliminated within three hours, the effect on C. difficile spores is similar, however elimination occurs after a substantially longer period of time (24-48 h), comparatively steel does not share these bactericidal properties. Utilising copper or copper alloy fixtures which are frequently touched such as door handles within hospitals may limit the propagation of this bacterium throughout the hospital environment, and reduce the risk of C. difficile associated diseases (CDAD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]