DEADLY bugs and viruses have met their match in a new antimicrobial rubber
that should curb the spread of hospital infections and make condoms a more
effective barrier to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Earlier this year, scientists in Ohio reported that superbugs such as
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which resist most
antibiotics, can live for weeks or months on hospital fabrics such as aprons and curtains
(New Scientist, 26 February, p 5).
Coupled with poor hand washing, these bug reservoirs may help spread hospital
infections, which kill around 80 000 people each year in the US alone.
Now…
