Controlling wound bioburden with a novel silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing

Wound Repair Regen. May-Jun 2004;12(3):288-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1067-1927.2004.012304.x.

Abstract

Clinicians now recognize that both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms have the ability to degrade or damage host tissue at a wound site through the production of a variety of enzymes and toxins. Silver-containing dressings offer one method for controlling this polymicrobial wound bioburden, and research efforts are currently ongoing to determine their efficacy against aerobic, anaerobic, and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The current study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of a new silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing (AQUACEL Ag) on both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, using the zone-of-inhibition method. This method provides a measure of the ability of the dressing to make available a sufficient concentration of silver to have an antimicrobial effect. To some extent this test mimics the clinical use of the dressing and predicts its microbicidal activity at the wound-dressing interface. The results show that the silver-containing dressing makes silver available at a dressing-agar interface at a concentration that is effective against a broad range of aerobic, anaerobic, and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In the context of wound healing, the results showing antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are particularly important, as the control and eradication of these organisms is a major concern within the health care profession.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / growth & development
  • Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / administration & dosage*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Occlusive Dressings
  • Silver / administration & dosage*
  • Wound Infection / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Silver
  • Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium