Int J Nanomed
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Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial infection resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are pathogens associated with VAP. Silver (Ag) coating of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) reduces bacterial colonization, however titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) coating has not been studied. ⋯ In vitro, solgel TiO(2) with Ag and Degussa TiO(2) with Ag both attenuated P. aeruginosa growth, but demonstrated no effect on S. aureus colonization. Further studies using alternative coating and incorporating UV light exposure are needed to identify their potential utility in reducing VAP.