title: Infection control properties of some wound dressings.
abstract: The ability of some wound dressings to sequester and retain micro-organisms associated with wound fluid is perceived to provide beneficial properties regarding infection control. This study used an in vitro model to investigate and compare such properties in a range of fibrous absorbent dressings (alginate, hydrofibre and hydrophobic). Dressings were challenged with a simulated wound fluid containing common wound pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Bacterial sequestering and binding levels were monitored over time. A hydrofibre dressing and two calcium alginate dressings were shown to effectively sequester challenge organisms from a simulated wound fluid. However, the hydrophobic and hydrofibre dressings produced statistically significant results in their ability to adsorb and retain challenge organisms (p < 0.05). These investigations have demonstrated that a hydrofibre dressing effectively sequesters and retains micro-organisms upon exposure to simulated wound fluid, and may therefore provide a passive mechanism for reducing the microbial load in wounds and in the surrounding environment. Further in vivo studies are required to investigate these dressing properties.
authors.affiliation: ConvaTec Wound Healing Research Institute, Deeside, UK.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Bowler
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Coyle
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid; D003102:Colloids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000382:microbiology; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D003102:Colloids; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid