Decreasing Bacterial Adhesions to Medical Devices Prevents Nosocomial Infection
Collaborators
- Keiko M. Tarquinio, MD, Rhode Island Hospital
- Thomas J. Webster, PhD, Brown University
Summary
The collaboration between Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University aims to decrease the likelihood of infections resulting from treatments at hospitals and healthcare facilities. A highly common infection, ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), found at these facilities, typically is a result of using endotracheal tubes (ETTs). The researchers have evidence to suggest that nanoscale modification of the surface of such tubes and other medical devices will decrease adhesion by bacteria. The work builds on earlier work by Dr. Webster, and is expected to lead to further research funded by the NIH, followed by broad commercialization.
