In vitro assessment of chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated polyurethane foam antimicrobial dressing using zone of inhibition assays.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate an antimicrobial dressing consisting of hydrophilic polyurethane foam with chlorhexidine gluconate for activity against several antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates as well as American Type Culture Collection reference strains using zone of inhibition assays.


METHODS
Sterile foam samples with chlorhexidine gluconate and untreated controls were transferred onto inoculated agar plates. Plates were incubated at 35 degrees C to 37 degrees C for 24 hours and examined for zones of inhibition around the foam samples.


RESULTS
Polyurethane foam with chlorhexidine gluconate showed antimicrobial activity in vitro against all of the challenge organisms including antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates.


CONCLUSIONS
The data from this in vitro study support the hypothesis that polyurethane foam with chlorhexidine gluconate has an antimicrobial effect against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species, as well as Candida species.
Bhende
Shubhangi
S
Corporate Microbiology and Sterilization Sciences, Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, New Jersey 08876, USA.
Spangler
Daniel
D
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001458:Bandages; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects; D016984:Enterococcus faecium / Q000187:drug effects; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000187:drug effects
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D011140:Polyurethanes; C028279:polyurethane foam; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine