Microorganisms, infection and the role of medical textiles

Abstract Several microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and helminths are the roots of infection-causing microbes. Some of them are continuously spreading infectious diseases, especially drug-resistant nosocomial microbes which are transmitted through healthcare-associated medical textiles, medical equipment and devices, gowns, surgical gloves, etc. Recent research activities are focusing on overcoming these challenges through selective material designs that act as a good barrier for preventing the transfer and growth of microorganisms. Antimicrobial textiles can prevent the growth of microorganisms as well as prevent the transmission and spreading of pathogenic microorganisms or infections from the healthcare environment to the human body. The striking feature of this chapter was to reveal an overview of nosocomial infections, healthcare-associated infections, evaluate the role of medical textiles and antimicrobial textiles in the medical and healthcare sector in preventing infection. Also, there is a focus on future challenges such as emerging infections that are a risk to healthcare systems worldwide.