Textiles tackle hospital superbugs
Textiles tackle hospital superbugs
2008-10-06Newsfeed
Reducing superbug infection rates in hospitals across the world is the aim of a University of Limerick in Ireland research contract worth 5 million euros.
Reducing superbug infection rates in hospitals across the world is the aim of a University of Limerick in Ireland research contract worth 5 million euros.
It plans to use nanotechnology to develop MRSA-resistant textiles for hospital gowns and bedding that can kill bacteria and are self-sterilising.
Partners in the project include nine other European agencies, as well as NUI Galway and Irish companies BeoCare and Cook Medical.
Co-ordinator Dr Tofail Syed said: "The spread of MRSA is a major public health concern, and a significant element arises from the use of conventional textiles.
"Hospital sterility is a major concern in countries like Ireland, Germany and Belgium. We intend to develop textiles that will help hospitals fight MRSA."
In the EU alone, over three million people contract hospital-based infections that cause 50,000 deaths a year.
Dr Syed said: "In southern and western Europe, 40% of hospitals have significant problems with MRSA. We are confident of redressing this statistic through our research and development."
MRSA-resistant textiles is one of the four major health issues that the UL-led consortium will address in the three-year research programme funded by the European Commission under its Framework Programme 7 Nanotechnology, Materials and Production.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
