Comparative efficiency of chlorhexidine and ethanol in umbilical cord care.
Recurrent epidemic spread of beta-hemolytic streptococci of Lancefield group A was seen in our maternity wards during a period when 70% ethanol was used for umbilical care. This prompted us to compare this regimen with one using 4% chlorhexidine in detergent for a period of 9 consecutive months. 2016 infants were studied. Umbilical colonization with group A, C and G streptococci was almost eliminated by use of 4% chlorhexidine in detergent and epidemic spread was not seen. Colonization rate of Staphylococcus aureus at the umbilical cord was reduced from 92% to 27%. The incidence of superficial infections during the first 4 postnatal weeks was reduced. Following the 9 months of comparative study 4% chlorhexidine in detergent has been routinely used in umbilical cord care at our hospital for more than 1 year without any epidemic spread of streptococci and with the same antibacterial efficiency.
D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003470:Culture Media; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000382:microbiology*
D003470:Culture Media; D000431:Ethanol; D002710:Chlorhexidine