Study calls for "one wipe" to prevent spread of MRSA

New research has identified a key principle to in the reduction of MRSA in hospitals.

A study by the Cardiff University's Welsh School of Pharmacy has examined the effectiveness of antimicrobial wipes that were first introduced into Welsh hospitals in 2005.

The research team studied the use of the surface wipes by nursing staff and then replicated the actions in a laboratory. Results showed that the wipes removed the bacteria but did not kill them.

After considering the findings, they are now spreading the message for "one wipe - one application - per surface", to stop the bacteria being transferred to another surface during multiple uses of the wipes.

Dr Gareth Williams, microbiologist at the university, said the study showed that antimicrobial wipes do kill the MSRA pathogens but "only if used in the right way".

"We found that the most effective way is to prevent the risk of MRSA spread in hospital wards is to ensure the wipe is used only once on one surface," he added.

National Statistics show that 1.652 people were killed by MRSA during 2006, the latest year from which figures are available.