Survival of microorganisms on inanimate surfaces -- The role of contaminated surfaces in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens -- Role of the Microbial Burden in the Acquisition and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections: The Utility of Solid Copper Surfaces -- Biocidal hard and soft surfaces containing copper oxide particles for the reduction of healthcare-acquired pathogens -- Biocidal mechanisms of metallic copper surfaces -- An overview of the options for antimicrobial hard surfaces in hospitals -- Economics of using biocidal surfaces -- Alternative room disinfection modalities – pros and cons. .

The notion that contaminated environments in hospital settings significantly contribute to the risk of an individual acquiring an infection while hospitalized is continuously gaining recognition by the medical community. There is a clear correlation between the environmental bioburden present in a clinical setting and the risk of patients acquiring an infection. Thus using self-disinfecting surfaces can be a very important adjunct in the fight against nosocomial pathogens.  This book reviews the increasing evidence that contaminated non-intrusive soft and hard surfaces located in the clinical surroundings are a source of nosocomial pathogens and focuses on the utility of copper containing materials in reducing bioburden and fighting hospital acquired infections. It also reviews other biocidal surface alternatives and the economics of using biocidal surfaces in a hospital environment. Finally, it discusses the pros and cons of existent disinfection modalities other than biocidal surfaces.