Efficacy of polyhexamethylene biguanide-containing antimicrobial foam dressing against MRSA relative to standard foam dressing

Many modern foam wound dressings possess a variety of attributes that are designed to create a supportive wound-healing envi- ronment. These attributes include absorbing exudate, providing opti- mum moisture balance at the wound surface, and preventing macera- tion of surrounding tissue. However, studies suggest that controlling wound bioburden should also be targeted when developing wound therapeutics. Thus, traditional foam dressings may absorb a copious amount of fluid, but may also provide an environment where microbes can grow unchallenged, leading to an increase in wound bioburden. However, antimicrobial foam dressings may prevent or reduce micro- bial growth, increasing the potential for wound healing. Studies reported herein evaluated the efficacy of 0.5% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) treated dressings to prevent the growth of methi- cillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). An antimicrobial foam