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New Antimicrobial Fabrics: Two Mechanisms Better Than One

Latest Data: Synergistic Effect in Reduction of Superbug Observed

San Diego, Calif. - October 22, 2012 - New data quantifying the specific effects of various characteristics of "antimicrobial fabrics" were presented at ID Week last week.

The data was presented in the wake of numerous recent studies that identified healthcare textiles such as uniforms, lab coats, and scrub suits, as sources of infectious pathogens.

"Antimicrobial fabrics" have been marketed to address these problems. The new research suggests that a textile-based antimicrobial alone may not be enough. It appears that a fluid repellent action can further enhance the action of a textile based antimicrobial. In fact, without a hydrophobic repellency, organic material from blood, secretions and bodily fluids may interfere with the antimicrobial agent embedded in the textile.

A team at MedStar Health Research Institute studied the relative contributions of the antimicrobial agent and the hydrophobic barrier in the reduction of Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on various fabrics. Swatches of untreated Control Fabric, Antimicrobial Alone, Hydrophobic Barrier Alone and VTT003 fabric (Vestex(r), Orlando, FL) were inoculated with MRSA using three different exposure simulations: direct contact, splatter and aerosol.

VTT003 consistently reduced MRSA levels to near 0 % Control in both Splatter and Contact Challenges.

Matthew J. Hardwick, PhD, Director, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations at MedStar Health Research Institute led the team and concludes, "These data show that both the antimicrobial and hydrophobic barrier chemistries used to make VTT003 individually contribute to reduction of MRSA burden on treated textiles. Interestingly, when used together (VTT003) these chemistries can have a synergistic effect on MRSA reduction."

In a recent controlled, randomized clinical study, Bearman reported a statically significant 4-7 mean log CFU reduction in MRSA burden associated with VTT003 scrub suits compared to untreated control scrub suits in an ICU patient care environment (Bearman et al, ICHE 2012). The significant difference was observed both before and after the work shift.

"Reduced bioburden at the beginning of the shift means less bioburden going into patient rooms. Reduced bioburden at the end of the shift means less contamination going home to the worker's family," said Ben Favret, president and CEO of Vestagen, maker of Vestex(r) Active Barrier Protective Uniforms. "The presented and published research on Vestex(r) performance clearly documents its effectiveness. We believe Vestex(r) powered uniforms will be the new standard for all healthcare-related personnel."

IDWeek is the new joint meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA), and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS). ID Week features the latest science and bench-to-bedside approaches in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of infectious diseases across the lifespan.

Disclaimer
The ability of Vestex(r) to reduce MRSA or other microbial bioburden on garments has not been shown to correlate with any clinical event or to be able to reduce patient infections. Clinical studies to evaluate reduction in infection have not been performed. The antimicrobial agent used in Vestex(r) is EPA registered to guard against the degradation of the fabric from microorganisms and to retard the growth and action of odor causing bacteria.

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About the MedStar Health Research Institute
The MedStar Health Research Institute (MHRI) is the research arm of MedStar Health, the largest healthcare provider in the Maryland and Washington, DC regions. MHRI's associates and investigators provide scientific, administrative and regulatory support for research programs throughout the MedStar Health system. These programs complement the key clinical services and teaching programs in the nine MedStar hospitals and 20 other MedStar Health entities. Visit us at www.medstarresearch.org<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=49313021&msgid=681444&act=9T30&c=303934&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.medstarresearch.org%2F>

About Vestagen Technical Textiles, LLC
Vestagen Technical Textiles<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=49313021&msgid=681444&act=9T30&c=303934&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vestagen.com%2F> is an Orlando-based marketer and manufacturer of advanced performance textiles. Vestagen is led by a skilled management team with nearly 70 years of combined experience in the health care, textile and apparel industries. Backed by V-Ten Capital Partners, Vestagen is committed to creating innovative textile solutions. For more information, visit www.vestexprotects.com<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=49313021&msgid=681444&act=9T30&c=303934&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vestexprotects.com%2F>.

About Vestex(r)
Vestex<http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=49313021&msgid=681444&act=9T30&c=303934&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vestexprotects.com%2F>(r) is the first in a new category of high performance textiles: Active Barrier Protective Uniforms. Active Barrier Protective Uniforms are clinically proven to rapidly prevent, reduce or eliminate the acquisition and retention of contaminants on breathable, durable fabric. Vestex(r) Uniforms repel fluids, wick away perspiration and contain an antimicrobial to prevent degradation of the fabric and to control odors caused by bacteria. Vestex(r) technologies can be adapted for a variety of uses and applications, from health care to athletic products.