Reducing Biofilm Infections in Burn Patients' Wounds and Biofilms on Surfaces in Hospitals, Medical Facilities and Medical Equipment to Improve Burn Care: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anti-bacterial-agents #antimicrobial-peptides #biofilms #burns #hospitals

Reducing Biofilm Infections in Burn Patients' Wounds and Biofilms on Surfaces in Hospitals, Medical Facilities and Medical Equipment to Improve Burn Care: A Systematic Review

Thomas et al., 2021 | Int J Environ Res Public Health | Systematic Review

Citation

Thomas Roger E, Thomas Bennett Charles. Reducing Biofilm Infections in Burn Patients' Wounds and Biofilms on Surfaces in Hospitals, Medical Facilities and Medical Equipment to Improve Burn Care: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021-Dec-14;18(24). doi:10.3390/ijerph182413195

Abstract

Biofilms in burns are major problems: bacterial communities rapidly develop antibiotic resistance, and 60% of burn mortality is attributed to biofilms. Key pathogens are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii. Purpose: identify current and novel interventions to reduce biofilms on patients' burns and hospital surfaces and equipment. Medline and Embase were searched without date or language limits, and 31 possible interventions were prioritised: phages, nano-silver, AgSD-NLs@Cur, Acticoat and Mepilex silver, acetic acid, graphene-metal combinations, CuCo2SO4 nanoparticles, Chlorhexidene acetate nanoemulsion, a hydrogel with moxifloxacin, carbomer, Chitosan and Boswellia, LED light therapy with nano-emodin or antimicrobial blue light + Carvacrol to release reactive oxygen species, mannosidase + trypsin, NCK-10 (a napthalene compound with a decyl chain), antimicrobial peptide PV3 (includes two snake venoms), and polypeptides P03 and PL2. Most interventions aimed to penetrate cell membranes and reported significant reductions in biofilms in cfu/mL or biofilm mass or antibiotic minimal inhibitory concentrations or bacterial expression of virulence or quorum sensing genes. Scanning electron microscopy identified important changes in bacterial surfaces. Patients with biofilms need isolating and treating before full admission to hospital. Cleaning and disinfecting needs to include identifying biofilms on keyboards, tablets, cell phones, medical equipment (especially endoscopes), sinks, drains, and kitchens.

Key Findings

Cleaning and disinfecting needs to include identifying biofilms on keyboards, tablets, cell phones, medical equipment (especially endoscopes), sinks, drains, and kitchens.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population biofilms need isolating and
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antimicrobial Peptides
  • Biofilms
  • Burns
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: boswellia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09