Effectiveness of Silver Ion Controlled Release Antimicrobial Compound in Reducing Multi-Drug Resistant Microorganism Contamination in an Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Purpose This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a silver ion controlled release antimicrobial compound (AgG-CRC) applied to surfaces in preventing surface colonization by multi-drug resistant microorganisms (MDRM) and reducing MDRM colonization and infection rates among patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We conducted a five-month prospective study in a 24-bed mixed ICU divided into two identical subunits (12 bed-boxes each). AgG-CRC was applied in one subunit (Intervention Unit: IU), while the other followed standard disinfection protocols were maintained (Control Unit: CU). We compared the rates of MDRM surface contamination, MDRM patient colonization, and MDRM nosocomial infections between the two subunits. Results A total of 519 surface samples were collected during 22-point prevalent day samplings; with 236 from the IU and 283 from the CU. MDRM were detected in 22 (4.23%) surface samples: 5 from IU (2.1%) and 17 from CU (6%); p = 0.028. Patient MDRM colonization rates in the IU and CU were 4.1% and 9.9%, respectively; p = 0.048. The incidence of nosocomial infections was similar in both subunits. Two outbreaks occurred in the CU during the study (MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (3 patients) and an MDR Candida auris (4 patients), while no outbreaks were detected in the IU. Conclusions Application of AgG-CRC on ICU surfaces led to a significant reduction in MDRM surface colonization and accompanied a decrease in MDRM transmission to patients, indicating its utility in MDRM control.