Risk and clinical impact of bacterial resistance/susceptibility to silver-based wound dressings: a systematic review.

Objective: To perform a systematic review of the literature on bacterial resistance, tolerance and susceptibility of silver within the context of wound therapy using silver-based dressings.

Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, the focus was whether results from microbiological experimental tests with reference strains and clinical wound isolates are reflected in clinical practice with regards to their 'resistance' profiles, comparable with those observed for antibiotics. The search results were allocated to six categories: resistance and resistance mechanism, tests with standard strains and wound isolates, prevalence and incidence, impact on clinical practice and impact on antibiotic therapy as well as reviews, expert opinions and consensus.

Decolonization potential of 0.02% polyhexanide irrigation solution in urethral catheters under practice-like in vitro conditions.

Background: Long-term use of indwelling urethral catheters is associated with high risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and blockage, which may in turn cause significant morbidity and reduce the life of the catheter. A 0.02% polyhexanide irrigation solution has been developed for routine mechanical rinsing together with bacterial decolonization of suprapubic and indwelling urethral catheters.