Rapid inactivation of infectious pathogens by chlorhexidine-coated gloves.
OBJECTIVE
Gloves containing chlorhexidine gluconate in an instant-release matrix on their inner surface (CHG gloves) were tested to determine their ability to rapidly inactivate infectious pathogens that may permeate or leak through the latex surface.


METHODS
CHG gloves were exposed for 1 to 10 minutes to blood or media containing infectious pathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) as well as to lymphocytes and macrophages that are known to be the primary carriers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Inactivation of pathogens was determined either by in vitro assay or in vivo infectivity. Stressed control and CHG glove fingers were submerged in a viral pool (retrovirus or bacteriophage) and after a set time, the glove interiors were checked for presence of permeated virions.


RESULTS
CHG gloves rapidly inactivate all the pathogens tested including retrovirus and hepatitis B virus (90% to 100%). In the stressed glove fingers, live virus was detected in 26% of the control group but not in any of the CHG group.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of CHG gloves may reduce the risk of exposure to infectious fluid-borne pathogens should the integrity of the latex barrier be compromised by overt failure or by permeation of viruses. Rapid destruction of lymphocytes and macrophages may facilitate inactivation of HIV associated with these cells. Tests have shown that CHG coating does not alter physical properties of the glove, and, furthermore, CHG gloves do not show potential for dermal irritation or sensitization.
Modak
S
S
Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.
Sampath
L
L
Miller
H S
HS
Millman
I
I
D000818:Animals; D000985:Antisepsis / Q000379:methods*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000187:drug effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000187:drug effects; D014780:Viruses / Q000187:drug effects
D002710:Chlorhexidine