Session:

Other

Abstract No.:

58.009

Title:

Microbial flora reduction in educational institutions by antimicrobial copper alloys implementation

Author(s):

Z. Manolidou¹, M. Tseroni², K. Karegeorgou², E. Kouskouni², P. Efstathiou³, H. Tsuma², H. Patikas², I. Agrafa²; ¹Microbiology Laboratory of Aretaieio Hospital, Athens University , Greece, School of Medicine, Athens/GR, ²Athens/GR, ³Microbiology Laboratory of Aretaieio Hospital, Athens University , School of Medicine, Athens/GR

Abstract:

Background: Aim of this report is the application of antimicrobial copper alloys in multi-touch surfaces at educational institutions (mass gathering areas) for the reduction of microbial flora in order to protect public health.
Methods: We used antimicrobial copper alloys (Cu63%-Zn37%) to cover or replace multi - touch surfaces (door handles, railings, hand-push surfaces etc) in specific elementary school. Estimation of microbial flora and viral load carried out in two phases. Prior and after antimicrobial copper implementation. Samples were taken from surfaces, cultured in appropriate-selective culture media for microbial growth and molecular techniques for isolating viruses.
Results: Results showed clear reduction in the amount of microbial loads in all surfaces and objects replaced by antimicrobial copper. The number of bacteria isolated in the respective surfaces before the copper implementation was a multiple of bacteria isolated after copper implementation. The correlation resulted in the findings of a reduction in the number of bacteria colonies (CFU / ml) after antimicrobial copper implementation.
Conclusion: Researchers has shown great interest in antimicrobial copper since usage of both antimicrobial copper and its alloys for the protection of public health gives encouraging results. Usage of the antimicrobial properties of copper in multi-touch surfaces of mass population concentrations, such as in schools, has already started to apply worldwide. Limiting the spread of germs and viruses in those areas in combination with the implementation of the basic methods of infection preventing (clean hands, etc) is a strong antimicrobial ally to Public Health.