Could Steam Be The Next MRSA Cure?
The super bug MRSA is proving harder and hard to kill. This antibiotic-resistant strain of staph is not vulnerable to many of the traditionally antibiotic treatments, leaving doctors with few treatment options. However, a new way of making instant steam may prove to be a new cure, among have other uses.
The ability to make steam without electricity can have a variety of potential uses. It could fight super bugs like MRSA. It can also be used to remove gum from sidewalks and pavements or even power cars that are friendly to the environment.
Oxford Catalysts in the UK is already discussing the possibility of using steam to clean and disinfect hospitals. A study done at the University College London Hospital showed that dry steam could destroy bacteria when it reached temperatures from 150 to 180 degrees Celsius in less than two seconds. This included antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, and did not require the use of any additional cleaning chemicals.
This new technology developed by Oxford Catalysts uses a precious metal catalyst to create steam as hot as 800 degrees Celsius in just a few seconds. The steam is called “dry” steam, and is created because of the reaction between methanol and hydrogen peroxide. Currently, the technology is very expensive, so it may take a while to replace traditional steam methods, but it is promising. A reaction chamber the size of a cube of sugar can make steam as hot as 800 degrees Celsius at a rate of seven liters per minute.
Unfortunately, medicine may have to wait a while to use steam to stop MRSA. The first uses of this new technology will be for a backpack designed to remove chewing gum. The current technology uses at least three kilowatts of power for each operator. On top of the energy use, the operator must also have a generator on a trolley or van to power the equipment. A more portable system will make it easier for them to take the cleaning to the places that need it most with little effort. Other applications may be able to put steam to use for running cars and rockets, and even as a portable power source.
The good news about using steam to kill MRSA is that it is fast and effective. Plus, with the amazing ability of MRSA to become resistant to the majority of antibiotics that are thrown at it, steam would not cause further mutations of the bacteria. With a portable sterilization device, hospitals could quickly disinfect surgical tables, equipment, and patient rooms where MRSA is a risk. This might lead to fewer hospital-acquired cases of MRSA, and a reduction in the risk of surgery patients and long term care patients in hospitals.
The biggest downside to using this new technology for hospital use is the cost of the technology. Hopefully, with future uses of the technology, a less expensive version will be created, allowing hospitals to put this form of disinfection to use around the world. It would be one step towards the ultimate elimination of the MRSA super bug.
