New Product Targets MRSA in Healthcare Settings

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic resistant bacteria, is rising sharply, not only in healthcare settings, but in the community as well.  In order to combat this problem, Gaymar Industries, Inc. in conjunction with Dartex Coatings Limited and Smith & Nephew Extruded Films, released a new product that is designed to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria on contact when it reaches the mattress surface.  Infections with MRSA are often found in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Gaymars antimicrobial mattress covers incorporate a patented Silver3 technology that targets MRSA and other bacteria where they are most likely to be found, on a surface that often comes in contact with bodily fluids. The Silver3 antimicrobial mattress covers use a unique ionic silver technology; the silver is encapsulated in a polymer matrix and released in response to humidity and moisture. When the silver ions come in contact with sensitive bacteria they achieve a 99.9 percent reduction in MRSA and many other bacteria.  Tests have shown the mattress covers still maintain effectiveness even after 500 cleaning cycles.

MRSA is a significant problem in the healthcare industry, said Dr. Thomas P Stewart, Gaymar president and COO. And, although many support surfaces are already being treated with antimicrobial agents, some of the antimicrobials may not be effective against MRSA.  Our Silver3 mattress covers are proven to kill MRSA and other bacteria on contact and continue to do so for up to five years. 

Silver3 is unique because it attacks the bacterias cell structure in many different ways, rather than through a single approach as with most common antibiotics. This multi-faceted attack provides for more effective termination of the bacteria and aids in preventing resistance to the antimicrobial, said Stewart. Although deadly to MRSA, silver is safe for human contact. 

Preventing the spread of MRSA is important because once an infection sets in; treating it is also a challenge.  One study[1] found that in 57 percent of MRSA cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to which the MRSA has already developed a resistance.

Increased prevalence of MRSA infections result in more post-surgery complications, longer hospital stays and increased treatment costs, putting a strain on an already burdened healthcare system. Research shows that the average hospital cost specifically attributed to MRSA infections is $13,901 per case[2]. Patients can expect to spend more time in the hospital following surgery if they develop MRSA infections 23 days as opposed to five days for non-infected patients. MRSA can be deadly as well.  The 90-day post-surgical mortality rate is two percent for non-infected patients versus almost 21 percent for MRSA-infected patients[3].

According to the CDC, incidences of MRSA in U.S. healthcare have increased from two percent in 1974 to 63 percent in 2004. Further, MRSA is the most common cause of soft tissue and skin infections of patients arriving in the emergency rooms in 11 U.S. cities, according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine[4].

 

 

 

Clearly, the research shows MRSA is a growing and major concern.  Healthcare facilities take the risk seriously and take every step possible to prevent the spread of MRSA infection, said Stewart.

Source: Gaymar Industries, Inc.

References:

[1] Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus Infections among Patients in the Emergency Department New England Journal of Medicine August 17, 2006.

[2] Adverse Clinical and Economic Outcomes Attributable to Methicillin Resistance among Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Surgical Site Infection Clinical Infectious Diseases 2003; 36:592-8.

[3] Engermann J Carnell Y, Cosgrove S et al.  Adverse clinical and economic outcomes attributable to methicillin resistance among patients with Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infection. Clinical Infect Dis 2003; 36;592-598.

[4] Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus Infections among Patients in the Emergency Department New England Journal of Medicine August 17, 2006.