Preventing Nosocomial Central-Vein Catheter Infections: Effectiveness of Titania-Based Nanofiber Mats on MRSA

Nosocomial infections are diseases that are acquired in hospitals. Among the most well-known -- and virulent -- infections is MRSA, or methicillin-resistant ​Staphylococcus aureus​ . This strain of S. aureus ​ is capable of evading antibiotic treatment and is therefore extremely problematic for medical personnel. This bacteria is found on medical equipment such as polyethylene central vein catheters, which presents a unique threat since they act as an easy entry point for MRSA to be introduced into a patient’s bloodstream. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are inherently challenging to combat and have a high risk of becoming fatal to the patient, who is typically already weakened by other health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to find methods of treating MRSA that do not involve antibiotics to which ​S. aureus​ will inevitably become resistant. One promising method is the use of an antimicrobial coating that will, in theory, mechanically kill MRSA and other pathogens as they come into contact with medical equipment. Currently, polyethylene central vein catheters do not offer any protection against pathogens, meaning that central-line infections are only addressed after the patient has already become infected. An antimicrobial coating would ideally kill pathogens before they have the opportunity to enter a patient’s body. This possibility begs the question: is it possible to lower the rate of MRSA incidence on polyethylene central-vein catheters by coating the surface in an antimicrobial material? There is research suggesting that titania-based nanofiber mats may be an effective antimicrobial coating for medical apparatus.

Read Team Paper for additional information.