Antimicrobials: Healthcare's Silver Bullet Against HAIs?

>>Wound Dressings

While not technically a medical device, wound dressings are an important front in which to showcase the advancements of antimicrobials. A range of silver-coated or antimicrobial-impregnated dressings are now commercially available for use but comparative data on their antimicrobial efficacies are limited. Silver-containing dressings are widely used to assist with management of infected wounds and those at risk of infection. However, such dressings have varied responses in clinical use due to technological differences in the nature of their silver content and release and in properties of the dressings themselves.

Parsons et al. (2005) note, “Critical colonization and infection of wounds present a dual problem for clinicians. First, there is the possibility of delayed wound healing, particularly in the presence of a compromised immune system or where the wound is grossly contaminated or poorly perfused. Second, colonized and infected wounds are a potential source for cross-infection — a particular concern as the spread of antibiotic-resistant species continues. For patients, an infected wound can have additional consequences including increased pain and discomfort, a delay in return to normal activities, and the possibility of a life-threatening illness. For healthcare providers, there are increases in treatment costs and nursing time to consider. Until recently, local wound infection has been a challenge with few management options. However, the advent of advanced wound dressings containing topical antimicrobial agents, such as silver, has provided a new approach to the control of wound pathogens.”