New Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Research from University of Antwerp Described (Polymyxin B Peptide Hydrogel Coating: A Novel Approach to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia).

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Antwerp in Belgium has explored a novel approach to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. The researchers developed an antibacterial hydrogel coating using the polymyxin B (PMB) peptide to prevent bacterial adhesion to the polymeric substrate. The coating demonstrated antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in mechanically ventilated patients. The study suggests that this peptide-releasing hydrogel formula could serve as a foundation for preventing VAP. [Extracted from the article]