abstract |
The invention disclosed herein relates to elastomeric articles such as medical or industrial gloves coated by antimicrobial compositions and protected by water-resistant packaging. Antimicrobial gloves are useful in methods for reducing nosocomial infection by Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Packaged gloves maintain quick-kill activity against microbes, even after extended storage. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of packaging which protects the antimicrobial activity of a glove during storage and transportation by shielding the glove from warm and/or humid environments. Alternatively, the present invention provides a system comprising an antimicrobial glove and packaging as a means for maintaining a low level of humidity in the vicinity of the glove. |