Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Common Bacteria in Hospital Surfaces

authors:

avatar Fatemeh Ahmadi 1 , avatar Sara Abolghasemi 2 , * , avatar Najme Parhizgari 2 , avatar Fatemeh Moradpour 2

Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Department Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran, sarahabolghasemi@dr.com

how to cite: Ahmadi F, Abolghasemi S, Parhizgari N, Moradpour F. Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Common Bacteria in Hospital Surfaces. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2013;6(3): 209-14. https://doi.org/10.5812/jjm.4585.

Abstract

Background:

One of the most important causes of complications and mortality in medical centers are nosocomial infections. Disinfection of hospital surfaces is essential element for ensuring that infectious agents are not transmitted to patients. Alcohol-based and chlorine-based disinfectants have unfavorable properties. Given that the antimicrobial effect of heavy metals such as silver is recognized as a viable option for eliminating bacteria, the exploration of nanotechnology in this context has been described in this study. Nanotechnology uses both science and technology to produce new materials with nano-scales.

Objectives:

The effect of silver nanoparticles on some common hospital bacteria has been studied in this research.

Patients and Methods:

We have selected nine patients' metal file covers and following sterilizing, we have infected them with one of these bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Then, the infected surfaces have been disinfected with different dilutions of silver nanoparticles. Sampling and culturing has done following four specific intervals. Afterwards, the colonies that developed have been counted and compared.

Results:

All of the three dilutions of silver nanoparticles could bring the colony count out of 7.5x106 to less than 100 which indicate more than a 99 percent reduction. No remarkable difference of the three dilutions of disinfectants was observed in reducing the colony count in 5,15, 30 and 60 minute disinfection intervals (P value > 0.05). The effect of constant dilution of silver nanoparticles on the reduction of organisms varied in response to the time of disinfection (P value < 0. 05).

Conclusion:

Silver nanoparticles had appropriate effects in all three types of dilutions and allowing for a more protracted contact time has given significantly better results.

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