Efficacy of Nano Germicidal Light Therapy on Wound Related Infections

Bibliography

Name: Arthur (Don)/Michael Johnson/Schlicher

Rank: COL(ret)/MAJ

Organization: The Geneva Foundation

Performance Site: BRIDGE PTS Preclinical Testing Services, San Antonio, TX; Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX; Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI

Year Published: 2009

Abstract Status: Project Completed

Abstract

Background: Wound or surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major source of postoperative illness, accounting for approximately a quarter of all hospital associated infections (HAIs); making prevention or reduction in wound infections a top priority for quality patient care. Within current military operations, the probability of contracting a wound infection following trauma is relatively high since wounds sustained under battlefield conditions are considered to be contaminated. Wound related infections, especially those associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, offer considerable challenges for military healthcare providers and adds significantly to morbidity and morality rates. The impact from micro-organisms on the healing process is not fully understood; however, infection is known to delay the healing process producing lasting consequences often resulting in additional resources necessary to manage and provide nursing care for the infected wound. Since 2001, wound related infections as a result of military operations have significantly increased making infection control a fundamental concern for all military healthcare providers. New non-pharmacological agents or devices must be investigated to provide alternative options for the prevention and control of wound related infections. Nanotechnology is playing an important role in medical diagnosis and treatment. One such novel device that may have an important role in reducing bacterial loads in wounds and may help to reduce the growing incidence of antibiotic resistant organisms is a portable nano germicidal light; however, studies are lacking. 

Purpose: The proposed study will determine the efficacy of using a portable nano germicidal light on reducing wound related infections by utilizing an animal wound model to compare the number of days to wound healing, healing characteristics, and amount of bacterial reduction. 

Methods: Measures of cellular and tissue response will be obtained to more conclusively determine whether the application of a nano germicidal light is clinically beneficial to patients with wound related infections. 

Sample: 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats will be randomized in a controlled trial utilizing 4 treatment groups: control, standard of care, nano light, and nano light plus standard of care. 

Analysis: An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test will be used for data analysis. 

Implications for Military Nursing: This study has important relevance for both the military and civilian communities as the hand held nano light device may prove useful as a novel device capable of reducing wound related infections and may help improve wound outcomes.

 

Final Report is available on NTRL: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB2017101...