Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Specific antibacterial activity of copper alloy touch surfaces in five long-term care facilities for older adults
M Colin1, E Charpentier2, F Klingelschmitt1
1Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, EA 4691 Biomatériaux et Inflammation en site Osseux (BIOS), SFR CAP-Santé, France.
Background:
Pathogens involved in healthcare-associated infections can quickly spread in the environment, particularly to frequently touched surfaces, which can be reservoirs for pathogens.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to investigate naturally occurring bacterial contamination on touch surfaces in five French long-term care facilities and to compare bacterial populations recovered from copper and control surfaces.
Methods:
More than 1300 surfaces were sampled. The collected bacteria were identified to obtain a global view of the cultivable bacterial populations colonizing touch surfaces. Haemolytic colonies and putative pathogens were also screened using specific agar plates and then identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. In total, more than 3400 colonies were analysed.
Findings:
Staphylococcus and Micrococcus were the two predominant genera present on touch surfaces, respectively occurring on 51.8% and 48.0% of control surfaces. In these facilities with relatively low bioburden, copper surfaces efficiently reduced the occurrence frequencies of three genera: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Roseomonas. Pathogenic species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium were observed in very few samples. In addition, meticillin-resistant S. aureus was observed on five control surfaces and one copper surface.
Conclusion:
Contamination of healthcare facilities touch surfaces can be the source for the spread of bacteria through the institution. This in situ study shows that the frequency of the contamination as well as the specific bacterial population bioburden is reduced on copper alloy surfaces.
Insights
Copper surfaces significantly reduce bacterial contamination on frequently touched surfaces in long-term care facilities. This finding highlights copper
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infection control
- Materials science
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) spread easily via environmental surfaces.
- Frequently touched surfaces act as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess natural bacterial contamination on touch surfaces in French long-term care facilities.
- To compare bacterial populations on copper alloy surfaces versus control surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Over 1300 surfaces were sampled for bacterial analysis.
- Bacteria were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.
- Screening for hemolytic colonies and putative pathogens was performed.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus and Micrococcus were the most common genera on control surfaces.
- Copper surfaces showed reduced occurrence of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Roseomonas.
- Pathogenic species like Staphylococcus aureus were found infrequently; however, methicillin-resistant S. aureus was detected on both surface types.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare facility touch surface contamination contributes to bacterial spread.
- Copper alloy surfaces demonstrate a reduced frequency and bioburden of bacterial contamination in situ.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...