Anti
- MRSA petbedding
The main causes
of MRSA infection in dogs are thought to be due to tranfer during
surgery and by post-operative contamination. On all fronts action
needs to be taken to minimise the risk of transfer of MRSA (usually
from human) to dogs. These include hygiene measures before
and during surgery (e.g. sterile mask and gowns) but also during
post-operative care.
The latter is
often less controlled. The animal is no longer restraint and is
able to move within a confined space. During that time the surgical
wound can potentially get contaminated with MRSA, depending on the
animal's own carrier status and the condition of his post-operative
envirionment.
To help minimise
that contamination and infection risk, researchers at the University
of Lincoln have tested and developed a new type of petbedding (Medibed)
that will inhibit the growth of MRSA. This means that even if the
animal carries the MRSA with it, the chance that is contaminates
the bedding and subsequently infects the surgical wound (dog
skin <=> bedding <=> surgical wound) is greatly
reduced.
Accidental contamination
from a human source (vet, vet-nurse, owner) or other animals within
the veterinary practice is also minimised. As it is difficult to
provide the same level of hygiene in the post-operative area as
in the operating theatre, the petbedding is considered and vital
addition to the already existing hygiene regime of a veterinary
practice.
The image below
shows how a few fibres of the anti-microbial petbedding (medibed)
inhibits the growth of MRSA in-vitro. Due to the unique nature of
the fibre the petbedding can be washed repeatedly without losing
its anti-MRSA effectiveness (>200 washes).
If you need more
details, require some Medibed
or wish to participate
in reseach, feel free to contact fruedisueli@lincoln.ac.uk
For more details and other related research see also:
Background
details
Gallery
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